DD102714

DD102714

DD102714 is a typewritten poem by Richard Coeur de Lion, proposed for Poets in Prison.

Transcript

                      Richard Coeur de Lion

If captive wight attempt the tuneful strain,
  His voice, belike, full dolefully will sound;
Yet, to the end 'tis comfort to complain.
  Frieds have I store and promises abound;
Shame on th niggards since, these winters twain
Unransom'd, still i wear a tyrant's chain.

Full well they knew, my lords and nobles all,
  Of England, Normandy, Guienne, Poictou,
Ne'er did I slight my poorest vassal's call,
  But all, whom wealth would buy, from chains withdrew.
Not in reproach I speak, nor idly vain,
But I alone unpitied bear the chain.

My fate will show "the dungeon and the grave
  Alike repel our kindred and out friends."
Here am I left their paltry gold to save!
  Sad fate is mine, but worse their crime attends.
Their lord will die; their conscience shall remain,
And tell how long I wore the galling chain.

To those my frieds, lond loved and ever dear,
  To gentle Chaïll and kind Perserin,
Go forth, my song, and say, whate'er they hear,