#It doesn't matter how you write a poem or a text somehow politics will seep into the narrative because our existance is political

[immediatebreakfast]

Marmion time once again!

The fourth canto is the compeling errand given to lord Marmion after the dinner. A very politically charged canto since it mentions a tense situation between england, and Scotland which could very much escalate into a war. Moreover, in this exsct situation is where lord Marmion has to accomplish this errand.

No bird whose feathers gaily flaunt Delights in cage to bide; ... In fair Queen Margaret’s bower. We hold our greyhound in our hand, Our falcon on our glove; But where shall we find leash or band For dame that loves to rove? Let the wild falcon soar her swing, She’ll stoop when she has tired her wing.

The bird symbolism in the poem is very well used within the character of lord Marmion. He is established as a lord, but unlike the role that he could have played, Marmion is more of a knightly leader that uses his position as a lord to command his men. Restless to accomplish great things, and not yet satisfied to sit still. Marmion is the falcon whose eyes see everything, and actions help the Queen. The use of "trapped" in the first canto now seems to reflect Marmion's light distate for formalities such as these even if they are crucial to his campaings.

Nay, if with royal James’s bride The lovely Lady Heron bide, Behold me here a messenger, Your tender greetings prompt to bear; For to the Scottish court addressed, I journey at our King’s behest, And pray you, of your grace, provide For me and mine, a trusty guide.

So that is what is needed, a guide through Scotland as a errand for the english King. Lord Marmion, and his men need to act as messengers to represent the King in the eyes of the Scottish court. A task in which they need a guide, more specifically a religious guide that could guide them, and be a voice of reason and peace in between all of the knights.

A herald were my fitting guide; Or friar, sworn in peace to bide Or pardoner, or travelling priest, Or strolling pilgrim, at the least.

A very reasonable request. Yet, thanks to @warrioreowynofrohan helpful explanation, and the poem itself admiting through the captain's the failures of their political system, we learn that literally none of the clergy in Norham are suited for the job at all.

And though a bishop built this fort, Few holy brethren here resort; Even our good chaplain, as I ween, Since our last siege we have not seen: The mass he might not sing or say, Upon one stinted meal a day; So safe he sat in Durham aisle, And prayed for our success the while.

This chaplain didn't like that he had to ratio his food like everyone else so he just left Norham, and to this day has not come back.

Our Norham vicar, woe betide, Is all too well in case to ride; The priest of Shoreswood—he could rein The wildest war-horse in your train; But then, no spearman in the hall Will sooner swear, or stab, or brawl.

The vicar is in excellent condition to go! The problem is that he might as well be another knight with how much he likes to fight.

And then, the one who made me laugh, the Friar John of Tillmouth.

A blithesome brother at the can, A welcome guest in hall and bower, He knows each castle, town, and tower, In which the wine and ale is good, ’Twixt Newcastle and Holyrood. But that good man, as ill befalls, Hath seldom left our castle walls, Since, on the vigil of Saint Bede, In evil hour, he crossed the Tweed, To teach Dame Alison her creed. Old Bughtrig found him with his wife; And John, an enemy to strife, Sans frock and hood, fled for his life.

An alcoholic friar who is known for gambling, and straight up has by @warrioreowynofrohan's own words, "a neighbouring Scottish lord after his head because he snuck across the border, slept with the lord’s wife, was caught in the act, and ran away naked."

What a charming man of the cloth huh. However, and very solemnly, young Selby (Heron's nephew) explains that friar John is literally the best option they have if they want lord Marmion to do his errand well.

#It doesn't matter how you write a poem or a text somehow politics will seep into the narrative because our existance is political #So good luck to Marmion! #marmion daily #marmion #poetry