Peace my heart, and be content

To stay close by home and kin,

Yet soon the snare drum rattle

of the war drums shall begin.

I so do love my woman

I so do love my son

I so do hate this stirring

Caused in me by that drum.

For peace, it shall elude me,

And the anger of my wife

Shall follow me to battle,

And cause this soldier strife.

I so do love my people

I so do love my world

I so do hate that look in her eyes

Which my actions have unfurled.

Be still a while war drums

Allow my heart to beat

Within my arms my lovely

Her kisses soft and sweet.

But I must leave my woman

And I must leave my son

And I must lead the forces

There's a battle to be won.

[Written as Darriennei in the Traveller's Tales.]