The Soldier by The Marchioness of Dorchester (circa 1625 during the The Anglo-French War )

The Soldier

by The Marchioness of Dorchester (circa 1625 during the The Anglo-French War )



A suitor bold and handsome once arrived

Twas early in a day unspent

A proud soldier on horseback,

A burning wish to vent


‘In courtly dance I wield mine mighty dart’

Said he, appearing finely dress’d

In polished armour

His lance

Colossal,

For this quest confessed.


‘With quivering heart, I seek my lady fair,

Her gaze, the target of my fervent plea’

Said he

Such chivalric pursuit was indeed

Beyond compare

His lance, a beacon of….

Virility.


‘Yet, not in war, but passion's grand display,

I wield mine

Shaft,

Erect, a symbol of desire

To pierce the veils that shroud love's subtle play

In earnest yearning

To set your heart afire.


Behold, mine love, this lance of passion true,

A token bold, my heart laid bare for you.


Would mine lady touch my lance

Before I leave

Tonight

for France?’