‘Twas just the Countess “singing”—for she practiced every night.

The Countess was convinced that she should have been born a Bard

And thus she made the lives of those within her power hard.

For they must listen to her sing, and smile at what they heard,

And swear she had a golden voice that rivaled any bird.

The Countess was convinced that she had wedded ’neath her state

And so the worst lot fell upon her meek and mild mate.

Not only must the Count each night endure her every song

But suffer silent her abuse, be blamed for every wrong.

It was a dark and stormy night—or so the Bards aver—

And so perhaps that was the reason why there was no stir

When suddenly the “music” ceased; so when dawn raised his head

Within the Tower servants found the Countess stiff and dead.

The Heralds came at once to judge if there had been foul play.

The questioned all most carefully to hear what they would say.

And one fact most astounding to them quickly came to light—

That every moment of the Count was vouched for on that night.

The castle folk by ones and twos came forward on their own

To swear the Count had never once that night been all alone.

So though the Tower had been locked tight, with two keys to the door,

One his, one hers; the Count of guilt was plain absolved for sure.

At length the Heralds then pronounced her death as “suicide.”

And all within the district voiced themselves quite satisified.

It was a verdict, after all, that none wished to refute—

Though no one could imagine why she’d try to eat her lute.

MUSINGS

Lyrics: Mercedes Lackey

Music: Mercedes Lackey

(Selenay: Arrows of the Queen)

How did you grow so wise, so young?
Tell me Herald, tell me.
How did you grow so wise, so young, Queen’s Own?
Where did you learn the words to say
That take my pain and guilt away
And give me strength again today
To sit upon my throne?

How could you be so brave, so young?
Tell me, Herald, tell me.
How could you be so brave, so young, Queen’s Own?
How do you overcome your fear?
To know my path was never clear
While knowing Death walks ever near
Would chill me to the bone.

How can you be so kind, so young?
Tell me, Herald, tell me.
How can you be so kind, so young, Queen’s Own?
To see the best, and not the worst—
To soothe an anger, pain, or thirst—
To always think of others first
And never self alone.

Where did you learn to love so young?
Tell me Herald, tell me.
Where did you learn to love so young, Queen’s Own?
How did you teach your heart to care—
To touch in ways I would not dare?
Oh, where did you find the courage? Where?
Ah, Herald—how you’ve grown!

PHlLOSOPHY

Lyrics: Mercedes Lackey