A Praise of Krzysztof cul Bun

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Honorable sergeant of arms, and King's champion of the blade,
Slayer of tigers of the east, and rats of odd size.
Who for his virtues are known, comes with Dragon's Heart bared.
For the honor of Dame Alzbeta he fights
Ever with honor and conviction.
And for progeny, maidens Sylvia and Belle, he fights
With care and grace, evermore.

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Notes

This poem was written for the Crown Tourney Praise Poetry Project in the fall of 2023. It was written for Szanowny Sierżancie Krzysztof cul Bun. In speaking with his consort, Metressa Alzbeta Michalik, the primary requests made were to reference his two daughters that would be in attendance, and the rodent of unusual size whose pelt he wore over his shoulder. I also made a point to speak of his highest award he held (Dragon’s Heart) and at least one notable accomplishment (slaying the Queen of the East’s tiger while serving as Louis’ rapier champion).

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Research & Resources

The piece is roughly based upon an extant piece of Polish poetry from 1578, which speaks of how (from the description) “The virtuos founder should be proud of his successors, and there is no need in wanting to be like the legendary hero[Memnon], when you have such a house, the house of Pobóg.” I discovered this piece in a translation discussion, which unfortunately did not have the original source or author listed. I am not even sure if this piece was an individually titled work, or if it was a part of a larger body of work.

Extant Example

Approximate Translation

See what reward this glorious knight has,
Who for his virtues has been already known since long ago.
You see his offspring in this graceful/adorned age,
You see, in their deeds like in those of their ancestors,
There is courage, and no need to dispute much about reasonableness,
Each of them has rather courage to give an answer to everything.
In vain do you recommend me Troy's Memnon: 
I have such a house[that of the Pobógs], not running farther.