Catalina - Duchy

I haven't posted a scroll text here in a while, but this one was a lot of fun, especially since a bunch of people helped me read it.

I chose to write her text in the muwashshah style of poetry. This is a style of poetry that appeared in the 800s or so, and was popular in Andalusian during Catalina’s period. It is structured as stanzas of rhyming couplets separated by a chorus that is held together by a rhyme throughout the poem. Usually, as I’ve done here, there are five stanzas.

One of the reasons I chose this style is that in period it was seen as a visual representation of the wisah, the ornamented belt. The idea is that the stanzas are ornaments hanging from a belt formed by the refrains. This seemed too appropriate to Catalina not to choose.

The form is designed to be performed orally. Sometimes it would be spoken, such as will be done in court, but often these poems became the words for various songs. Usually, the performance is a soloist speaking or singing the lines, and a chorus joining in on the refrains.

I did a similar scroll for her Laureling, but this time I was able to arrange for the chorus by handing out a bunch of copies. By the end of the poem, most of the hall had joined in and the echo up front was damn cool.

Side note, since it was often sung, this means that yes, Rhianwen's version might very well be more period in form, though not in tune.

Catalina – Duchy Text

In sweet days of Falcons soaring With great rivers swift and roaring Purple and gold were ascending and great keeps they were defending Came a queen of their kingdom fair Whose charm and skill were all aware

All in this great Celestial sphere (Chorus) Admired bright pearl of Calontir

Then to war went gold bird of prey Steel and skill she brought to the fray When riders lanced and arrows flew Her courage held as all there knew And those who cared for warriors bold Brought sweet water as she foretold

In noble dance of swords and spears (Chorus) Fought the bright pearl of Calontir

In tall and mighty heartland’s halls Where nobles heed our kingdom’s call Wisdom and law did she proclaim Showed the falcon’s honor and fame Calling folk before royal thrones Their deeds to be forever known

Gifts to surprise people most dear (side note, I almost cracked up reading this line, given that she and Donngal had surprised me in morning court) (Chorus) Granted bright pearl of Calontir

As memories of bright lilies fade Relaxing now in soft, cool shade Heartland’s souls recall awhile Love and grace and wit and smiles They raise a cry to celebrate Catalina’s story so great

Soldier, artist, and server cheer (Chorus) Feats by bright pearl of Calontir

Anton and Yseult royal heirs Listen well Their people’s prayers At Lost Moor hall in summer’s heat Fifty-fourth year of dream so sweet Mushira will she now be called By each poet, scop, bard and skald

A kingdom showed their love sincere (Chorus) For brightest pearl of Calontir

A kingdom showed their love sincere (Chorus) For brightest pearl of Calontir