| Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
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| That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done.
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| While the firelight’s aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow,
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| Till things we’ve never seen will seem familiar.
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| Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm.
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| Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago.
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| Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him,
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| Who came through many fights, but lost at love.
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| While the story teller speaks, a door within the fire creaks;
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| Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there.
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| Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair,
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| She takes her fan and throws it, in the lion’s den.
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| Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
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| I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance.
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| The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise,
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| Strategy was his strength, and not disaster.
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| The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him.
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| That’s how it stands today. |
| You decide if he was wise.
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| The story teller makes no choice. |
| Soon you will not hear his voice.
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| His job is to shed light, and not to master.
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| Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold,
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| In hopes he will return, but he cannot be bought or sold |