Song of King Alfred

1. The Song of King Alfred

Muses help me from your horde
I sing the song of a King long dead
First ruled his people with the sword
Then gave them books and bread.

King Alfred of Wessex was his name
Descendant of a fierce ancient God
A mighty ruler of great warlike fame
Protector of those who turned the sod.

Attacked by Vikings born for war
He fled - his troops would not stand
Alone he planned to rid his shore
By constant fighting hand to hand.

His doughty few the foe did smite
Then hid in deepest forest glade
His defiance brought people light
Slowly an army he had made.

Alfred fresh hope to folk did send
Many joined King Alfred's not so few
And fought the Vikings to the end
Until for peace his foes did sue.

Were that all, Alfred's name were made
The foe he made them his friends
Land and blessings to them he gave
Yet Alfred still craved other ends.

Sore worn by war his people starved
Would swords into ploughshares turn?
Reading, crafts and arts all decayed
By learning bereft and books' burn.

He knew that there were many woes
Defend he must or lose his land
The towns' new walls defy the foes
Safe inside new learning he planned.

The fields were ploughed sword in hand
The crops were gathered, stored in town
His few warriors became a standing band
Armed, trained, ready to face foes down.

What lessons can we from Alfred learn?
That a few can lead to redemption's crown
Defence comes first, then discipline stern
Craft and learning thrive within a town.

Our rulers must value the common band
And teachers, craftsmen adorn a town
Training for war and peace hand in hand
Will emulate King Alfred's old renown.

2. Heirs of Alfred

Lords and Ladies of this court
Of King Alfred old a tale I sing
It is not long, just very short
How to rule as a wise old King.

Alfred was a royal younger son
Born to follow his brothers' rule
Unlikely ever a Crown to don
True, loyal but nobody's fool.

In battle he stood while others fled
Held firm to save his brothers' reign
At home many books he had read
His fingers showed black inky stain.

When he was called to be the King
Peace was not, he had to fight
With the warriors bold come a-Viking
But battle he lost despite his might.

A fugitive he, by heathen warriors beset,
Deep hidden from his country's foes
Waiting, hoping, rallying those he met,
While his people cried aloud their woes.

He armed and trained the common man
Teaching them the fierce art of war
Enrolling any in his fighting band
Growing daily, more and more.

At last, supported by his country's arms
The foes he vanquished on his land
But gave them friendship, even farms.
Till Vikings joined his fighting band.

As wise in peace as fierce in war
Alfred saw that his people's skill
Needed learning, books and more
To help them thrive, hope to fulfil.

Alfred gave his folk great trust
Making them part of his own guard
So your own people, trust you must
Or forever cower in castle yard.

Arm them, teach them, set them free.
Send teachers, make right the wrong
Educate them, give them the stars to see
In the people's love we'll all be strong.