Requiem for A Huscarl

Words and Music: Andrixos Seljukroctonis
Source: Andrixos
MIDI / NWC / PDF / Battle history

Swiftly we've striven from slaughter at Stamford,
And yet a new foe we must face.
As sure as Hardrada lies pierced by an arrow,
The Norman will soon know his place.

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

For half a score years I served under Edward,
In feast and in bounty did share,
And now with my body I make good the bargain,
I fight to defend the King's Heir. (For)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

In the North the King's brother, the base Earl Tostig,
Did seek the King's crown with his swords.
To add to his treason he called 'cross the water
For Sigurthsson's grim-visaged hordes. (But)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

At York we did muster and march forth to battle,
They thought they were out of our reach.
Unarmoured they fell there, like lambs at the slaughter,
Their byrnies laid out on the beach. (and)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

We've gathered about us the fyrd of the country,
From every shire and hide.
Each bearing an iron-tongued spear hewn of ashwood
And a strong stout saex knife at his side. (but)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

We've set up the shields at the top of a hillside,
The locals, they call it Senlac
For hour after hour, they press in amongst us,
But still we repulse their attack. (And)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

At last by our valour, their battle-line's broken
Their horsemen now run in retreat.
And now we pursue them like wolves after cattle.
This part of the battle is sweet. (and)

For I am a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God grants me breath in my body
I'll fight to defend the King's land.

But lo, now a sharp barb has pierced through my armor,
I fear that my days now are done.
Yet as I lie dying, I take final comfort,
For it seems that battle is won.

Final Chorus:
And I was a warrior of the King's Huscarls
A deep biting axe in my hand.
And as long as God granted me breath in my body
I fought to defend the King's land.


Rule Number One: As the author of this work does not wish this piece sung from a lyrics-sheet, please do not print it in a font larger than 10 point. Please ensure that this statement accompanies all copies of these lyrics that you make.

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