An Tir/West war anthem

“Oh Come, Noble Warriors of Glorious An Tir”

by Lord Michael FitzGeoffrey, GdS, OLM

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Oh come, noble warriors of glorious An Tir,
I pray you attend me and lend me your ear
For war is upon us again in this land.
The enemy threatens. Our foes are at hand.
Though decades have passed since our kingdoms were sundered,
It seems that each year our borders are plundered
By forces whose mischievous hosts must be treated
In battle with honor, and yet still defeated.
     The horns of alarm to you call repeated,
     So answer them quick lest your lands be defeated.

Now gird on your armor, and take up your shield,
Then follow with courage your King to the field.
Let standards fly proudly, as you draw your swords
Defending An Tir, valiant knights and fierce lords.
Remember your homes and the oaths that you’ve taken
Until the West’s strategies have been forsaken
That battle and chivalry and great renown
May honor An Tir and bring fame to the Crown.
     So gather your armies to cast your foes down
     And honor An Tir bringing fame to the Crown.

The hot summer sun blazes all through the day.
Our shield wall holds, as our archers delay
The West Kingdom’s vanguard, allowing An Tir
To flank them and cut off their troops in the rear.
Our pikemen are holding the bridge without yielding.
All round the King’s banner, An Tir’s fighters, wielding
Their swords and their axes in battle array
Claim victory leaving the West in dismay.
     All round the King’s banner, our armies display
     The prowess that claims noble victory this day.

Now after the battle, the revel commences.
The bard strikes the tune, and the campfire dances.
Sweet triumph is savored; the King and his host
Are objects of many a well deserved toast.
An Tir is protected, from raiders delivered.
We’ll often recount how the enemy quivered
Before the famed might of our warriors true
Until the next year when we’ll rout them anew.
     We’ll often retell how the enemy flew
     Before the famed might of our warriors true.