This song was originally intended as a sort of memory aid to help me recall the 10 virtues of chivalry. Various knightly Orders had different sets of virtues they espoused. This is based off of one list I found that, unfortunately, I cannot find again so I can’t link it here.
- Chorus:
- These are the virtues you must have,
- My dear, my darling one
- ‘Tis true, they seem but faerie’s dreams
- Some bright and pure ideal
- These virtues are the harsher path
- And difficult to hold
- Yet, in dark times these virtues are
- A true knight’s sword and shield.
- Courage may seem the easiest one
- You’ll not back before a foe
- Yet sometimes courage may be seen
- In taking the difficult road.
- And loyalty may seem easy too –
- Stand by your comrade’s side
- How hard’s loyalty when it divides
- Then one’s soul is torn inside.
- (Chorus)
- Humility, don’t boast your brave deeds
- Tell others’ parts instead.
- Allow your acts to speak themselves
- Long after you are dead.
- Honor – keep always your sworn oath
- Defend the weak and poor
- Your family, your home, your land.
- Honor always your liege-lord.
- (Chorus)
- Compassion – take no life in vain
- Judge by action, those not Knights
- For some do take the easier path
- And dare not the long fight.
- Justice – not eye for an eye
- For she wields a bitter sword
- With mercy and honor temper it
- Justice is its own reward.
- (Chorus)
- Prowess – Seek out excellence
- In everything you might
- That strength may bolster flagging arms
- E’en in the toughest fight.
- Faith – hold strong to your beliefs
- In gods or strength of men
- It gives you hope, and when you fall
- You’ll rise up strong again.
- (Chorus)
- Be Generous in word and deed
- And give all that you can
- For it does counter gluttony
- And aids your fellow man
- And lastly, fair Nobility
- Strive to a higher goal
- Lead by your acts. Examples do
- Enlighten all our souls
- Final Chorus:
- These are the virtues you must have,
- The guidelines you must know
- The belt and chain do not compare
- To the virtues in your soul.
- These virtues are the harsher path
- And difficult to wield
- And, in dark times these virtues are
- A true knight’s sword and shield.