A Lesson In Courtesy

The knight was in a hurry
As he lumbered toward the field,
Expecting his white belt to cause
All in his way to yield.
So when one man whose back was turned
Failed to move aside,
The noble knight took umbrage
At this insult to his pride.
He tapped the stranger on the arm,
And then he gave a push
To move the stranger from his path
into a holly bush.
The knight then hurried on his way,
And scarcely looked askance
At the stranger watching him depart
With a baneful rueful glance.
The knight then fought his battles,
And displayed his chivalry,
Then retired to the feasting hall
For the evening's revelry.
And at the heroes table,
With fighters of renown,
He feasted and made merry,
Drinking toasts unto the crown,
Roaring his approval
With a hearty knightly grin,
That the evening's entertainment
Would very soon begin.
And then a long-haired fellow
Stepped into the light,
Who seemed a tad familiar
To our brave heroic knight.
This fellow strummed his instrument,
And then began to sing
Of all the virtues to be found
In squire, and knight, and king.
He sang a tragi-comic tale
Of a knight whose chivalry
Was marred by his total lack of
A sense of courtesy;
A knight, who in his haughty pride,
Did show his social lack,
Till all the court made fun of him
And laughed behind his back.
Our hero at his table
Roared loudly with delight,
Until the singer caught his eye
And pointed at the knight.
Then realization hit him,
And the knight's great mirth did flee.
"By my belt and spurs! That knave
Is singing about me!"
The singer lifted a flagon
In a merry mocking toast.
And to the knight it seemed as if
His very flesh would roast.
He sank down deep into his chair
As laughter filled the room.
Knowing it was at his expense
Filled our knight with gloom.
His reputation in tatters,
The chastened knight soon fled.
And his name became a bye-word
For a pompous swollen head.

So take you heed, you proud young knights.
My lesson is not so hard:
Before you insult a stranger,
Make sure he is not a Bard.