So want you go earning your keep with your sword And you think it can't be too hard- And you dream becoming a hero or lord With your praises sung out by some bard Well now, let met hen venture to give you advice And when all of my lecture is done We will see if my words have not made you think twice About whether adventuring is "fun!"
Now before you seek shelter or food for yourself Go seek first for those things for your beast For he is worth far more than praises or pelf Though a fool things to value him least. It you've ever a moment at leisure to spare Than devote it, as if to your god, To his grooming, and practice, and weapons-repair And seeing you both are well-shod
Eat you lightly and sparingly - never full-fed - For a full belly founders you mind Ah, but sleep when you can - it is better then bread - For on night-watch no rest you will find Do not boast up your skill, for there is always one more Who would prove he is better then you Treat sword-ladies like sisters, and not like some whore Or your wenching days, child, will be few
When you look for a captain, then look for a man
Who think first of his men and their beasts, And who listens to scouts, and has more than one plan, And heeds not to the stupid priests And if you become captain, when choosing your man Do not look at the "Heroes" at all For a hero dies young - rather choose yourself ten Or a dozen whose prides not so tall
Now your Sword-master's god - whosoever he be - When he stands there before you to teach And don't argue or whine, think to mock foolishly Or you'll soon be consulting a leech! Now most booty is taken by generals and kings And there is little that's left for the low So it's best to learn skills, or work at odd things To keep food in your mouth as you go
And last, if you should chance to reach equal my years You must find you a new kind of trade For a plea that you're still spry will fall on deaf ears - There's no work for old swords, I'm afraid Now if all what I've told you has not changed your mind Then I'll teach you best as I can. For you're stubborn, like me, and like me of the kind Becomes one fine Swords-woman or man!Teksty umieszczone na naszej stronie są własnością wytwórni, wykonawców, osób mających do nich prawa.
