On A September Day
By Mālik ibn Qārin ibn al-Māridī ibn Jinnī al-ʻAbdārī al-Shaybānī
For forty-one years, firm and unafraid
Has An Tir stood, strong and safe.
Many monarchs, a hundred and more
At tourney first took the title of Prince.
September the time, crown tourney returns.
Clouds came, covered the sky
But undaunted were blow-dealers, that made the day ring
With the clamor of clashes. Collected were fighters
From all An Tir, honorably they came
For crown and orb must have heirs.
One after another, grandly they entered
Names, titles, deeds; all told to the Thrones
In word-fame well-phrased
To encourage the consorts, Queen Livia spoke
Words of wise consul. Well received she was
For advice from the virtuous, few venture to ignore
To the consorts too was courteously aclaimed
The part inspiration played in making
Mighty our monarch, Morgan of the Oaks
Watched closely the meadow, where the choice would be made
Both grand and grace-filled that glorious day
Wherein strength and courage, skill and chivalry
Would make one a heir. Ready were all
For the bashing and battling. Broken would be swords
Split would be shields as stern fighters sought
A crown for their consorts, who care-filled would watch.
But first came the choosing by lesser-ranked fighters
Of the foes they would face as the affray began.
Not few were the fighters that fell until
Only two still stood. Their strife would determine
The Heir of An Tir. Honorably they fought--
Saif ibn Owain, strong was his sword
By Alessandra inspired. Strong too was Ulfgar
For Juahara he wished orb and throne to gain.
Hushed was the crowd, necks craned, breath caught.
Thrice the two met, thrice came the cry - - -
"Victory to the valient!" The name did not vary
And Ulfgar is heir. Juahara as well
Gains a coronet. A crown will come in due time.
Saif most seemly accepts the day's fate
Renowed be his name. Now let An Tir
Gladly regard all who fought that great day.
Fate has fallen; fair lady
Has inspired strong stout-heart.
Coronets now are worn. Next comes....
What comes.
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