And lo there came in to this world a light,

guiding all those who sought, unto this place,

shining through the bleakness of eternity,

enfolding all who followed with its grace.

 

And many who had travelled here were weary,

from the scourges of the journeys they had made,

bodies badly bruised upon the pathways,

the faith they had in kindred soul betrayed.

 

Yet all that came inside this place were welcome,

and room was made for each and everyone,

the famished fed on fellowship and bounty,

a banquet set for all to feast upon.

 

Here kings could sit with commoners at table,

in knowing no man mattered more or less,

for status had no meaning here, no value,

the cut of cloth, the wallet, nor the dress.

 

And though each traveller spoke a foreign language,

by miracle each voice was understood,

for poetry’s a universal minstrel,

its music one of empathy and love.

 

And every soul that came here was replenished,

those empty but for anger and for hate,

free to vent their sorrow, seek new meaning,

find comfort, hope and solace in this place.

 

And so it was that all were reconciled,

the gift of kinship given to all men,

glasses filled to brim with mirth and merriness,

with Tudor spirit, cleansed and born again!