Ballad of the Widow's Son -part one

The Ballad of the Widow's Son

(Part One)

Solomon, the King, in the fourth year of reign,
         did declare to erect a temple of stone
Plans he did make that it should be
         a spectacular edifice for the Lord and throne


Hiram, King of Tyre, on hearing of this news
         pledged his aid to his ally and friend
Caravans of cedars, precious metals, and workman would go
         to aid in the building of the temple to ascend


First amongst those promised by Hiram
         was the grand master of all draftsman
The Widow's Son as he was called
         had no equal amongst the craftsman


The Widow's Son was Huram by name
         skilled was he in every part of the builder art
To Solomon he went ready to serve
         keen of mind and pure of heart


The Widow's Son undertook the great task
         to build the temple as Solomon required
Each stone laid with precision and care
         so the structure rose as the King desired


Huram in his wisdom had all stones precut
         each then laid to a perfect fit
This it allowed no metal tools needed
         as each wall rose up well knit


Three bands of workmen Huram did have,
         apprentice , fellows, and masters were they
Each wore their aprons as a badge,
         portions of corn, and wine and oil as pay


Most of the workman were content in their work,
         but there were some who aspired much more
Thinking they be of a higher grade,
         they would argue they deserved rewards galore


Each band of workman had their tasks
         recognized by the apron they wore
A password also did each possess
         which was unknown by them unsworn


Three fellows who were not content
         did secretly meet and conspire
To force from Human the master's word
         so they could travel the world for hire


Huram a pious man was he
         and each day to the sanctum retire
At high twelve as was his habit
         to offer prayers to a power higher


Three fellow did hide in shadow
         as Huram would pass by each gate
South, west, and east on his way to the sanctum
         each would force Huram the master's word to state


At the south gate the first ruffian appeared
         Jubela named he demanded the master's word
Huram refused and tried to get past
         but the ruffian demanded he give up the password


Huram again refusing attempted to pass
         twas then the ruffian did strike a blow
Twenty -four inch guage as a weapon
         did strike and cause Huram's blood to flow


Huram did hasten to the west gate
         where the second of the three would assail
Jubelo by name demanded the word
         but Huram again refuse even though frail


The second ruffian now angered did threaten
         telling Huram he would die by force
Being armed with a square did strike
         the breast of Huram without remorse


Huram did his best to escape
         but met up with the last of the three
Jubelum by name hid at the east gate
         confronted Huram before he could flee




Brandishing a mallet the ruffian did demand
         Huram to give him the master's word
Courageous and brave Huram again refused
         right and true not to reveal the keyword


Enraged the ruffian did strike
         Huram by the mallet was felled
The master's word intact in his breast
         denying the ruffians with his integrity upheld


The Widow's Son lay dead but uncompromised
         Three ruffians knowing their misdeed
Now condemned to wander in fear of discovery
         And the master's word still without concede