He left to watch his father die <br />and accusations flew <br />like poison barbs; brawn from on high <br />knaves dishonor and defame <br />play dangerous devious games. <br /> <br />Hand on the dirk we pledged our aid <br />cared nought for such deceit <br />so run hit hide the highland way <br />loyal, brave with white cockade <br />constant, watchful... we'll read him yet! <br /> <br />We'll read him yet so turn the leaf; <br />Why quill so much maligned? <br />Four, six, seven then Marguerite's <br />fragile petals on canvas speak <br />out: of a sovereign marriage bed. <br /> <br />The searching, soulless, furious, cry <br />' 'tis a tissue of lies! ' <br />Destruction bent and blind by pride. <br />Thus guard, keep her and defend <br />steadfast, unyielding to the end. <br /> <br />The reason? An aforesaid name <br />a future commitment and a claim. <br /> <br />For Prince Michael of Albany <br />August 2006<br /><br />Gillian.E. Shaw<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/j-exile-a-jacobite-poem/
