The Flamingos and Hedgehogs Song
King Edward commissioned his bard, Lord Martyn de Halliwell to pen a song that spoke of the virtues of his Queen, Thyra, great patroness of the noble flamingo and mighty hedgehog. Thus did Martyn pen these words, and set them to the 14th Century tune known as “Douce Dame Jolie” by Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377). He entitled them “In Forty Years & Nine,” however, the song is now lovingly known as the “Flamingos and Hedgehogs Song.”
The song was performed by Lord Martyn de Halliwell, Mistress Aife ingen Chonchobair, Maistre Lucien de Pontivy, Baroness Ysmay de Lynn, Lady Aildreda de Tamwörthe, Lady Isabeau d’Orleans, Lady Violet Coleson, and Lady Katrin Daans. Baronne Sabine de Kerbriant and Lady Margretha la Fauvelle accompanied the singers on recorder and citole, respectively.
There is a buzzing sound at about 0:18 in the video, the sound returns back to normal following. The lyrics are posted below.
In forty years and nine there was a virtuous Queen of Eastern lands and patroness of flamingos and mighty hedgehogs.
CHORUS:
Her Prowess is unmatched with a bow, her arrows fly through the sun-filled sky she inspires all to fight for the East and noble creatures small and great.
Her Loyalty and Faith show that her will is strong as any Royal Peer’s She inspires us to day to sing and praise her forevermore.
CHORUS
Her Generosity and Mercy are well known throughout the Known World King Edward did repent and she forgave so we sing of her virtues for you today.
CHORUS
Thyra’s Courtesy abounds even now for all to see and hear She’s not kicked me right out or banished me for these words that I have penned.
Final Refrain:
Queen Thyra couteous Queen of the East we sing to day so all might know this Eastern Rose’s great display of noble virtues.
Photo by Lord Sergei Rozvad syn, video courtesy Lady Ella de Caley, sheet music and lyrics courtesy Lord Martyn de Halliwell.