Praise for Alaric

- by Lady Teleri the Well-Prepared
An extemporaneous poem on the theme “The battle between the Germanic tribes and the Romans” written for Prussian Winter Games in the Eastern Barony of Carillion, Februrary 18, A.S. XL.

Once and then twice     terrible we marched
South of our strongholds     swiftly towards Rome
Stopped we both times     by strategy or Stilicho
Brave war-leader     bold Roman man
Better than many     men of that land

Then led by Alaric     - Milan he besieged
Brought men much booty     in bountiful battles –
He would raid Rome     reduce the great city
Enriching himself     and royal war-band
Gold rings there would be     glittering treasures
Marbles most fair     from faraway lands
Silks and pearls     all precious things
Stored up in Rome     city for ruin

Horns blew, drums crashed     Boasts men made
On morning air     much glory promised
Spears and sword     broad shield of ash
Readied for war      Rome would fall

Praise for      powerful theign
Master of Rome      matchless warrior
Smoke and fire      City Eternal
An offering to gods     sent up on the air
They favor Alaric     fame-clothed he.