The Raven's Verses

Here are the verses the Ravenfavored the party with during the story Law of the Polovtsy:


The raven recognizes a kinship between himself and the folk of Rabenstein:

Behold! With winter's scorn and brambles torn, your journey shivers brave.

We share the keys of hell and death to warm the lowly grave.

Long lashed by winds so rude, yet then, I spied your listless crawl my ken.

The raven's reply when asked his name:

True I'm a sinner, I might begin, but trust in mercy I have no sins.

I've escaped the jaws of death, so call me 'Nightshade' with your breath.

Verse about their foes, the Polovtsy, of which they not know yet:

Though ruddy fire and beaming tapers join to cheer the gloom,

The toils of law, assembled for blood, have sworn your earthly doom.

Verse offering to lead them to the Polovtsy:

We are but birds, who greatly spurned, embroil manly breed.

But bloody spears and ardent roar of wind betray your ardent need.

In life is gall and bitterness of soul, your bounty meets my greed

Lo! To the ravens they must pay, and I will humbly lead.

Verse about the slowness with which they march:

Where are your wings my thieving friends?

Has winter's thunder kept them thin?

Verse about their quest:

Vengeance is a bloody treat, but vengeance back is twice as sweet.


This page last modified on 12/9/97.

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