(c) 2002 Justin Eiler. Tune: "Adieu Mes Amors," from the Bayeux Manuscript (with minor changes).
Notes: This is written along the same theme as an alba, an SCA-period style poem that frequently involves a couple saying farewell at dawn. Structurally, however, it is patterned after one of the poems in the Bayeux Manuscript. (For the purists: it's not a filk, it's a contrafacta.)
Say farewell my love, by the moonlight bright, Say farewell my love, once more hold me tight. By the setting moon I must go away. Soon will come the dawn, and then who can say? Will day bring defeat, Or sweet victory? [For competition: "Or victory sweet?"] So, alas, we part, ere the dawning light. Say farewell my love, by the moonlight bright. Long I lay with you, but I must away. Long I lay with you - damned be dawn of day! I must go to war, fight for crown and king, Rather would I stay - more than anything. Do not bid me bide, For at dawn we ride. Do not break my heart - no more can I stay. Long I lay with you, but I must away. Look for me by night, by the rising moon, Look for me by night, morning comes too soon. Hands that hold you now soon must wield a sword. I must leave you now - but I give my word. Soon the lips you miss Greet you with a kiss. Yet, for now, we part, ere the dawning light. Say farewell my love, by the moonlight bright.