Excalibur Poem by Poison 9901

For months it rested in the stone, the sword Excalibur;
The noblest knights of England's realm strived hard the steel to stir;
For word had gone through all the land that he who drew the blade
Should fill the dead kings empty throne, the rightful king be made.

The flower of island chivalry had come from far and near,
To try their skill at tournament the first day of the year.
Mid the barons went Sir Ector, his valiant son, Sir Kaye,
And his foster-child, young Arthur, forth to the courtly fray.

Unknown to all, dead Uther's son mixed with the noble throng,
Who dreamed not that to stripling page could crown and throne belong?
'Now, gram mercy, ' quote Arthur, in riding by Sir Kaye,
'Good brother mine, how came you out without a sword today? '

Sir Kaye looked down, and paled to see no weapon at his side:
Then back his comrade spurred his steed, across the meadows wide,
To where lay idle in its sheath the knight's forgotten blade,
But found that not a single squire had in the castle stayed.

Quote Arthur then, with sudden wrath, 'from yonder mystic stone
I'll pluck the sword, that good Sir Kaye may wield it as his own! '
So, getting down from off his horse, towards the empty tent
In which was kept Excalibur his eager footsteps bent.

In golden-lettered hilt was bright, its knightly guards away;
And so, with brave and fearless heart, he made his bold essay.
He grasped the handle in his hand, its point leaped sharp and free.
'My brother shall not go unarmed to battle now! ' cried he.

When old Sir Ector saw the blade flash in the morning light,
He knew it was the Sword of Fate that met his wondering sight,
And asked of Arthur, 'whither came the steel thou gave to Sir Kaye? '
'I bore it, ' was the plain reply, 'from stone and went away.'

'Then, by my faith, ' the gray knight swore, 'an' thou can draw it once again
The sword from out the same place, then a king thou shall reign! '
And back within the marble stone Prince Arthur thrust the blade,
While long in vain to pluck it from that place both high and low essayed.

'Come hither; strive again, my son! ' and quick on Ector's sight,
In Arthur's hand, the marvellous steel was flashing keen and bright.
Then kneeled Sir Ector and Sir Kaye, with every squire and lord,
To greet as lawful king the youth who leaned upon the Sword!

Then spoke his aged foster-sire. 'Ye hail no child of mine! '
But was not buried Uther's heir, king by right divine.
Thus Arthur through Excalibur received his father's crown;
And ever through Excalibur he kept his high renown!