If after vorpal blade thou seekest now,
by fairy, pagan, heathen lands be awed.
Into the realm described by Golden Bough
go forth to gaze at beasts and dragons clawed
and walk thou on the road that Enoch trod.
With courage, might, and prudence start your quest;
With armor of the finest sort be shod.
To find that blade which Elfin Saints call blest,
set but your eyes on truth, and give not up to rest.
If after vorpal blade thou seekest now,
then Master Poesy must thine shepherd be
and Lady Wisdom’s words thou must allow
to shape thine heart and mind and will – and see
that only if thou to these muses spree
wilt thou, o knight, upon the weapon come.
Thou must be frabjous though, to some degree
a stoic mind embrace but don’t succumb
to myths that myths are lies, or lies that beasts are dumb.
If after vorpal blade thou seekest now
to slay the Jabberwock of ancient fame,
then thou shalt not make pride your word and vow,
but act as though thou seekest out a dame
and so pursue the knife with heart aflame
to drive into the breast of that foul beast.
Though don’t expect the stab to scar and maim,
but rather to thy pen give poems pieced
and of the poet’s art by hands be made high priest
If after such an ordination yearns
thine heart that tongue and pen might so create
the fancy, poesy, fairylands that turn
the hearts of all of every walk and state
to find their own such rhyme and world great:
Then after vorpal blade thou must now seek.
But at the exit of the door, by fate,
‘tis dang’rous business every day to walk and speak.
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