I know you, Jonathan, Man in Black,

Betrayer of clan,

Traitor and knave.

 

We answered your summons to the forest meet,

Obeyed unquestioning the command you gave.

My mistress, our Queen, looked upon you well,

You found favour in her eyes.

 

I remember your mating,

You crowned with antlers proud.

I saw your embrace,

Saw the blood between her thighs;

And as the seasons turned

So your seed quickened within her womb.

My mistress,

Sunlight in her eyes, so full of joy,

Blossomed with the Moon.

 

Yes, Jonathan, I know you well,

Remember even now your treacherous deed.

While she slept

Your steps to strumpets strayed,

And filled with drink and greed for gold

You sold us to the Witchfinder,

Our lives lining your purse -

Blind Thomas, little Kate,

Matthew the Woodsman,

All of us,

Even our Queen,

And me her nurse.

 

When he came for us,

From our homes,

Huddled like sheep we were herded to that field;

You rode beside him on a fine grey mare,

Our sword at your belt,

Cowardice your shield.

 

Our Queen regarded you with sorrowing eyes;

"I know you, Jonathan," quietly she said.

One look of fury crossed your face

And with our sword

You struck off her head.

 

By fire and rope we died;

Little Kate said not one word

But smiling through the flames

Became almost divine.

I did not leave this world so well,

But cursed you, Jonathan,

Swearing to hunt you throughout time.

 

Now I know I have found you again;

This time, too, you are the Man in Black,

We are all here, Kate, good Matthew,

Thomas no longer blind;

We are the monkey on your back.

 

I now reign as leader;

Revenge tasting sweet upon these lips

That long since, blackening, swore

To hurt, destroy you,

As you did us -

The clan, your Lady, our Queen,

Who gave you more

Than gold, or goods, or any earthly prize

Could bring;

She took you, low-born man,

Made you our King.

 

But even as we raise the power,

I think I hear, so far away,

Her voice:

It says to me

"Nay, stay your hand,

Seek not revenge;

Your Lady loves him even now -

Let him go free!"

 

But I do know you, Jonathan.

 

(Copyright Janet Farrar, 1988)