Events

Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts – Toronto

3 weeks ago

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Salle
Not a student was stirring, not even your pal.
The masks were hung on the sword rack with care,
In hopes that dei Liberi soon would be there.

The scholars were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of Flowers danced in their heads;
And AEMMA ‘cross the country and I in my cap
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the floor there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bench to see what was the matter.
And up to finestra I flowed like a flash,
Then down to boars tooth I cut quite the slash.

The moon of the breast of new salle’s floor
Gave the lustre of hist’ry through our open door.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Friulian knight and none was his peer.

With a little old book, so much to say,
I knew in a moment it must be Fiore.
More rapid than tigers his posta they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

Porta di Ferro! Di Fenestra! Posta Longa and Breve!
Coda Longa, di Cinghiale, di Donna and Frontale!
Cut from teeth to knees! Don’t be kind!
Mezza volta and enter, safe at the bind.

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
Rising cuts went through longa, then covered up high.
Recovered to la Donna, his fendente, they flew.
What a bag full of tricks, that Friulian knew.

And then, in a twinkling, he drew a long knife.
Block, trade and stab, the end of my life?
As I drew back in awe, he came with a bound,
Before I could blink, I was thrown to the ground.

He was dressed all in steel, from his head to his foot,
His breast, mirror bright, scrubbed with ashes and soot;
With each of his weapons, his skill did not lack,
He looked like a Master, ready to attack.

His eyes, how they twinkled! His humour so merry!
He thrusted at me, I could just barely parry!
He lifted his visor, proof from a bow.
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
A garter of gold, was tight ‘round his knee,
A crown of the same was something to see.
He had a blue jacket, under his maille,
Which shook when he moved, to protect should he fail.

He was brave as a lion, as smart as a lynx,
An elephant’s strength, so quickly he thinks.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke many a word, and went straight to his work,
And filled up the pages, writing quick as a clerk.
And laying his quill, aside of the page,
And giving a nod, a quite content sage.

He handed it to me, then mounted his horse.
And away he road, sure of his course.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he road out of sight,
Happy Holidays to All! And to All a Good Fight! … See MoreSee Less