The Count - Canto II

The Storyof

The CountofD'Bonaire

And the Adventures

of the younger

Count Felix Alexander DBonaire

Ferrick Gray

On some devices, it is better to adjust the font to a smaller size. This will allow the lines of poetry to display correctly.

The Count of D'Bonaire

2015 - Ferrick Gray

Website:

Kanticle of Beinghttp://kanticleofbeing.com

Canto II

.1.

When we consider all that has transpired Upon the isle of DBonaire these yearsAnd how the diffrent people have conspired In trying to eliminate their peers.We come to the conclusion that desired Intentions can dispel our inner fears.For if by chance someone gets in your wayWell, be prepared. Thats all that I can say.

.2.

On DBonaire all is not what it seems, Although it does appear a pleasant place.A rolling countryside and flowing streams, One cannot help but don a smiling face.For sure, it ppears the land of hopes and dreams, A kind of beauty, charity and grace.Its beauty is a mere deceptive guiseFor hiding all the things they most despise.

.3.

A lot had changed, these years in DBonaire, The death of the old Count is long forgotAnd living in the house, Villa Belaire Are Felix and his tutor who have notAimed to study lessons. (Ahem, this pair Have been investigating what theyve got.A crude interpretation could ensure No need to be embarrassed, cos its true!)

.4.

The beauty of the fair Claire Lillywhite Had won the younger Count, head over heelsAnd though its wrong; began to think its right To teach a little more. His just appealsThough honrable at first, but just the sight Of this fair Claire, he nullified the deals.And with the lesson content duly changed,He had his daily schedule rearranged.

.5.

Now Felix was still in his early years At twenty-three, the younger of the two,With Claire a little older, it appears That she exceeds his age by just a few.(For those of you who pass judgmental sneers Will serve you well to give the silence due.For we shant tolerate those slurs for kicks He current age is merely twenty-six.)

.6.

You may be wondring how can one so young Have qualities to justify that sheShould be so learnd and her praises sung When she had only just turned twenty-three.Not only has she mastered foreign tongue, She was an expert in philosophy.Of course, of all the sciences shes aware,To take employment with Count DBonaire.

.7.

So now you know the background of our Claire; A most sought after tutor, that is true,But when she came and started an affair With Felix, out the window knowledge flew.For love can do the strangest things and where Love intervenes; to all else bid adieu.And now we find a pair without a care A handsome couple too so debonair!

.8.

But as you know all good comes to an end And Felix started getting itchy feet,For three years Claire had been his only friend, A friend and lover he was chanced to meet.But Felix longed to leave and thus to send Fair Claire, his lover, one who was so sweet,Back home to where she was before they foundEach other. Then he told her not a sound.

.9.

Needless to say, young Claire was not impressed For his suggestion that they part their wayAnd in her wrath she promptly readdressed The reason that she thought why she should stay.The look upon her face would near depress The hardest man. To stay here? Yes she may.With all this settled, Felix kissed her cheekAnd thought about adventures he might seek.

.10.

Ah in his dreams he thought about the world And all the places he had never been,To charter ships and see their sails unfurled And see the many sights hes never seen.To grow a thick moustache and have it curled (Tis weird when other dreams will intervene)But anyway, the world is but a stageAnd heaven knows what act he shall engage.

.11.

In daydreams we are prone to reminisce Of diffrent things that happened in the past,Though some are sad, some filled with happiness And often there are those we wished would last,Yet even those which held some bitterness Are bought to mind, though fleeting somewhat fast.So when we call to mind these memries clear,We realize that many are held dear.

.12.

When such events occur, it is not clear How they will be resolved and in what wayAnd often good advice we do not hear, So for our ignorance, the price we pay.For what we do may take us far or near Regardless what those close to us may say.Oh how our pride can often be a curseTo pique our intrest for what could be worse.

.13.

But curiosity is not a sin If we can keep control and hold the reigns,Well satisfy that want that lies within And very soon our intrest in it wanes.So whether its predestined or its in Our human nature; cherished are the pains.For many time well contemplate our lotAnd thank our God for blessings we have got.

.14.

In many ways, young Felix was the same With wants and lust, desires of the heartAnd as a Count, this royalty by name, He found it difficult to be a partOf the expected socialistic game That was so rampart here, and now to startA journey to the corners of the world.(The difficulties of this rhyme unfurled!)

.15.

For much of his good life on DBonaire He hadnt wanted; not for anythingAnd where he wants to go, he knows not where Nor what excitement such adventures bring.But now the sudden dawning and despair And with a little pang of heart stirring,He realized that evrything he hadCould not be taken with him (thats too bad).

.16.

Of course its fine to think when youre alone And plan your moves for what and where and when,But for these fantasies we oft are prone To think we are the champion of men.Then when its pointed out, we change our tone To voice our disappointment there and then.To travel by ourselves oh why pretend Its far more fun to travel with a friend!

.17.

At first he asked himself: Well why not Claire?, She is a friend, of course a lover tooAnd she could very well adventures share But then again, twas not the best to do.For something in his mind he could not bare, The thought of tragedy that may ensue.Though all her knowledge may be of some use,He wasnt using this as an excuse.

.18.

A sexist attitude, it may well be For Felix had been taught by father dearThat women are possessions and that we As men, we should encourage their appear-ance to perfect so that we always see Their beauty, ah their beauty. What a sneer?Of course some take offense at this remarkWith looks so stern and cold and somewhat dark.

.19.

With habits hard to break, he did concede That Claire would not be able companyAnd with this problem solved could now proceed To make his preparations now that heHad satisfied himself and thus decreed That Claire would not impede his destiny.A man has got to do what he must do.(But at this very moment not a clue.)

.20.

Though full of vigor and an open mind, Young Felix has no good experienceIn matters that are surely to unwind And thus no good excuses in defense.No hardships had he had of any kind, Perhaps relying more on providence,But Felix isnt one to shy away.No matter what it is or what we say.

.21.

Now Claire, she wasnt satisfied to know That pride and egos all that he possessed,She thought it rather foolish, him to go When evrythings not properly addressed.She had no say in what he did and so She tried her best to not get too depressed.For how can one persuade an eager manWhen seeking new adventures is his plan?

.22.

But Felix was not worried what she thought, And had such scant regard for what she saidFor he knew better (well he thought he ought) And wouldnt let his heart rule or his head.There are those times, the wisdom that he sought Will come from harder lessons learnt instead.So Claire decided not to interfereWith any plans, although they werent too clear.

.23.

Ive been amiss (at least thats what Ill say) To tell of other business of the CountAnd I will tell you now, for then it may Well take away all guessing to accountFor how he might intend to sail away: (In shipping he outlaid a huge amount.)Twas with the largest one to take abroadWith all his creature comforts stowed aboard.

.24.

The Count had quite a fleet when we compare Its size and worth to other nations round,In close proximity to DBonaire Where merchandise and merchant ships abound.And with the many markets that are there The busyness, the bustling and the soundOf voices raised and lowered, some in stealthIn all this business; thus his source of wealth.

.25.

And now we know the Count was well equipped With evrything he possibly could needAnd often on the balcony he sipped To sweet success (and yes, he would succeed)In acquisitions and of those he ripped Off somewhat. Oh well, let us now proceedTo tell some more of Felix DBonaireAnd of his strange adventures here and there.

.26.

The biggest problem facing Felix now Hed never left the isle of DBonaireAnd all that he was taught about and how Was learnt from books and from the lips of Claire.So even though hed study, read and plough Through all his books, hes still quite unawareOf all the troubles, perils and mishapThat may befall a rudimentry chap.

.27.

An elementry knowledge of the sea Is not the best to have to go abroadAnd thus concluded soundly that its he Who needs advice. So all he could afford(or what he thought) was portioned happily To hire a crew and evrything accord-ing to the going rate and so acquiredThe ship and crew and all that he required.

.28.

There was the destination yet to choose And of the many books that he had read,The one that caught his liking (and my muse) Was Ireland and the leprechauns it bred;How some had found and then only to lose The pot of gold to which they had been lead.Theres mischief in him (like the one called PuckThat Shakespeare wrote) He thought hed try his luck.

.29.

Will all prepared, he kissed fair Claire good-bye (for secretly her warm embrace he missed)And she responded with a single sigh As he checked off equipment on his listAnd though she tried her hardest not to cry She did. At times she was a pessimistAnd felt that Felix may a peril find Just one of those concerns that plagued her mind.

.30.

It was a pleasant day to be aloft The sea; in such a mighty vessel too.He had fulfilled his dreams that he had oft Dreamt many times and now they have come true.Yet many crew thought he was far too soft To sail the seas like them (as sailors do).But he arose to all occasions there,This most determined Count of DBonaire.

.31.

The ship was mighty, broad of stern and bow And crashing waves the least of its concern,But how it stays afloat, he wondered how Yet seamanship is something he will learn.Oh something doesnt feel too good right now; He has a sudden feeling and a yearn-ing for a place not moving so Oh quick!He races to the side! Oh Lord hes sick!

.32.

With pallid green appeal, he chundered or The side and all the noises full atest,All down the stately ship Countess Lenore And or the motto too Be damned the rest.(You see his mothers name, this ship it bore And at that time was known as the best.)Hed thought hed finished; held his gut, the pain Hed thought hed finished then he hurled again.

.33.

A techni-colored yawn, he called for Herb It seemed as though he wouldnt ever stopAnd no-one offered help lest they disturb His concentration. Then one threw a mop In his direction and with one superb, Enormous belch collapsed into his slop.Twas much to the amusement of the crewThat one would want to wallow in his spew.

.34.

Now Felix looking pale but not so green Was covered in an unappealing mess;A sight uncommon for one who has been Parading round, the one whom they addressAs Count and Lord. Oh Lord you should have seen Him. His appearance would fail to impressHis father or his mother or fair Claire,This vomit covered Count of DBonaire.

.35.

It seemed that Felix wasnt meant to be A person who would take in charge a shipOr ever hope to rule the seventh sea Unless of course it was a minute trip.For with this voyage there wasnt any glee Or happiness and all hed do was sipA cup or two of chicken broth or soupIn hopes that one day he would soon recoup.

.36.

Oh, how this journey seemed to linger on It seemed that hed been sailing for a yearAnd evry day hed clamber up upon The deck and with his trusty eye-glass peerTo the horizon for what lies beyon With hopes the land he seeks would soon be near.Oh how much farther can this island be?(Hell reach the shore tomorrow, wait and see.)

.37.

An early rising, Felix met the dawn Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed he thought he couldJust make the form of land, yes in the morn The Emrald Isle and though he thought he shouldGo back below and suitably adorn A better set of clothing. Yes he would.Excitement! Twas much more than he could standTo finly and thank God To be on land!

.38.

Twas scarce a month since leaving DBonaire, Yet it had seemed much longer there at sea,But with the sight of land he didnt care For soon he hoped to be lodged comftably,And there upon the deck, a longing stare Awaiting his arrival, soon to be.The crew worked harder too (all taught and trim)And eagerly prepared to rid of him.

.39.

At last the weary ship pulled into port, But to his great surprise theres only oneTo greet him; not the welcoming he thought Yet better than the thought of having none.You should have seen the speed they threw and caught His luggage. In one hour all was done.As quickly as they came they left again,Not even time for Felix to complain.

.40.

The one who met with him, a simple soul, Was quite astonished with the speed that theyUnloaded all his goods and how the whole Crew scurried back and then shot out the bay.He didnt ask, but it was clear their goal Was to abandon Felix straight away.They left, no thanks, good-bye or by your leaveAnd what he said, my word, youd not believe.

.41.

When Felix settled down, he looked around (This effort bought back memories of chucking)And offered out his hand without a sound To one Sean Lees OHoughing no more muckingRound, for he wanted to be venture bound. (Oh Seans last name correctly sounds OHuckingI draw attention to the way it is,Its not the way Id say it, but its his.)

.42.

(My dearest reader, this I would impore, Forgiveness for the change of this last verse.Lines two and four and six, one half foot more So that the line is not so very terseTo say it as twas written once before Necessitates the time and to rehearseFor broken iambs are a curse to keepAnd feministic rhymes are incomplete.)

.43.

Now lets return from what I did digress To make an explanation of my rhymeAnd how young Seans surname did not impress When was the need to write it at this time.But at this meeting Felix would suppress His disappointment with the current clime,For though it was a pretty place to beIt ma-made him shi-shi-shiver li-vel-ly.

.44.

Well let them get acquainted and ignore What Felix thought (or what he didnt think)And as he works his way along the shore This Sean gives our Felix a nod and wink.(A friendly wink cos what hed see and saw Was quite enough to drive him to a drink A swig of Irish whisky ay (thats yeah!)To calm the nerves of Felix DBonaire.

.45.

Now while our hapless hero puffs and pants (For all the gear he has amassed some weight)He didnt have the breath to voice his rants Or raves about his unbecoming fate.So off they scurry like a pair of ants To help each other with their cherished freight.And as they staggered, they began to talkWith some in-trepidation, on their walk.

.46.

Well leave the two to travel for a time And let them find their lodging to unpackFor Felix did not think the current clime Appropriate to launch a full attackUpon a leprechaun whose actions mime And mimic crudities behind your back.So off they go to trudge many a mileAnd well come back to check them in a while.

.47.

However in the forest there were two, Notorious by name and also deed,For all the crazy things they used to do, Like smoking shamrocks cause they thought it weed.Their shamrocks were the best (of this they knew) And they had more than they would ever need.With Pearce and Norrie apt to share a ball,They oversaw their shamrocks, three foot tall.

.48.

Their small plantation was a pleasant sight With shamrocks swaying gently in the breeze.Their care to cultivate them in the night Enabled them to fool authorities,But others didnt think that it was right That they should make their money with such ease.For Pearce and Norrie werent a favored pairWith warrants for arrest all over Eire.

.49.

Now in their shamrock daze they chanced to spy Both Sean and Felix walking by the wayAnd though the pair of them were very high They followed these two travlers most the day.They sneaked and peeked, perchance to pass them by To find exactly where the pair might stay.An evil plan was brewing in their head,But soon forgotten had a smoke instead.

.50.

Both Sean and Felix had arrived at last To where it was theyd started out to find,A little place (reminders of the past) But neertheless the two were both inclinedTo wait a while (for they had traveled fast) And both of them, some relaxation pined.The day was young and though they both were beat,They settled in to find something to eat.

.51.

All things were easly found because young Sean Had made all preparations days beforeAnd knowing Felix sought a leprechaun Had made the time to get a little more.For never in his life (since he was born) Had seen a leprechaun and wasnt sureHow long theyd need to stay from beckoned call So better for a lot than none at all.

.52.

Now in the little cabin that it was, Sean stoked a little fire to ease the coldAnd Felix thought the fire was great becos It warmed the place which seemed so very old.Then for the cold, Felix unwrapt a loz- enge so that his cold would not take ahold.He offered one to Sean, but Sean declinedAnd Felix didnt care and didnt mind.

.53.

The day was waning and so they relax Beside the fire which was burning bright,Then Felix had a thought and so unpacks Some books to read while there was still some light.(The sound and light of fire and noise attracts Unwanted bugs and creatures of the nightAnd Felix had some diffculty to readAnd so a good nights sleep he would concede.

.54.

With both retired, these creatures of the night, Yes, Pearce and Norrie fumbling through the haze(A shamrock haze that is) with pure delight And on their faces, both a stupid gazeAnd wondered why the night was still so bright Whilst in a sort of shamrock induced daze.Then Norrie turned to Pearce with eyes aflare,Exclaimed though something new, Theres stars up there!

.55.

Youd think theyd never noticed them before The way their eyes were rolling , opened wide,But this is what will happen all the more When smoking shamrocks, breathing deep insideYour lungs, their smoke and with it spirits soar And little inner secrets you confide.So then they take to walking (if they can)With many words like bro and mad and man!

.56.

Well how they found the cabin, who would know, But find it, yes they did by accidentAnd time appeared to them to go so slow With all the oohs and ahhs of pure content.In full exhaustion at this bungalow They staggered and upon the door they lent,As you would guess, a great surprise for all The door oped up and on the floor they sprawl.

.57.

Now Sean and Felix both woke with a start As Pearce and Norrie scrambled to their feetAnd as they did they giggle, hiss and fart And open their glazed eyes only to meetFelix and Sean (with palpitating heart) Prepared to give a beating than to greet.But in his shamrock stupor, with a yawn,Rick Norrie quips I am a leprechaun!

.58.

Sean looked at Felix, Felix looked a Sean Well could it be that luck was on their side?But neither one had seen a leprechaun Before. Old books were something of a guide.Now Felix had a picture that was torn From one of these and looked at it and sighed For Norries short, and could be after all,But Pearce is not, cos he was far too tall.

.59.

They looked each other sternly in the eye, Young Felix and this Norrie, toe to toe,Though not convinced he came to wonder why A leprechaun would put on such a show.Pearce moved Sean grabbed a poker by the fire And in a sweeping motion, not too slow Prepared to shove it up his (assume tooThat at this moment, Sean knew what to do.)

.60.

As Sean bent down, he shoved the poker firm Right up the chimney to knock down the sootAnd with relief, Pearce, with a wince and squirm Decides to make his exit, fleet of foot!But Norrie (what a sorry little worm) Had now to show them he was what he putTo Sean and Felix (and twas with a yawn)When he declared he was a leprechaun.

.61.

As Norrie trembled, he was feign to tell That he was really not a leprechaunAnd he was getting ready for all hell To break loose. Suddenly with gusto SeanCried, sprang and tripped and then OHoughing fell And fell with such a thud (this noble pawn).In truth it wasnt really bad at allAnd pummeled Norrie well to break his fall.

.62.

Though dazed, Sean slowly clambered to his feet And dusted off his shirt and trouser pair,Then swung about (a motion to complete) And clean knocked out the Count of DBonaire.Now Norrie knowing full well his deceit, He up and fled and vanished in thin air.As all this happened, Sean revived the CountWith shots of whiskey (quite a large amount).

.63.

And coming to, as from a battle torn He looked at Sean and all around the shack,But saw no evidence of leprechaun And well agreed, he didnt want it back.For no-one ever told them or to warn Them leprechauns were violent and attack.So they must reconsider what to do A new perspective needed (this they knew).

.64.

Well after the commotion of the night They sat together chatting quietly;If it was worth the trouble or the fight To nab a leprechaun for what might beA fate far worse than death but then it might Be worth it all, perhaps a fait 'compli.For never in their wildest dreams had theyThought they would meet their match as on that day.

.65.

While Sean and Felix reconsider what The best approach will be (thats if they dare),We turn our thoughts (for we have not forgot) His lover Claire, still there on DBonaire.It seemed that Claire had taken quite a lot Of privleges but who would know or care?She lives a life of luxury and healthAnd plans to squander most of Felix wealth.

.66.

Twould only be a matter of a day (Well three or four to be a little fair)That some one else had come with her to stay In all the majesty of DBonaire.It seemed a simple thing for her to play One off against the other and its whereHer other lover who disliked both CountsComes back to claim his undisclosed amounts.

.67.

Now of the Counts he knew this Felix well, But not so much his father whos now dead.Yet dealing with this famly one could tell Were not so good, so both hated instead.For years both families would fight like hell To gain superiority. Well bredAnd well informed of business plans and deedsThe Duke of Shaygerlot fulfilled his needs.

.68.

The Duke of Shaygerlot, a wealthy man In his own right but that did not impedeHis lust for money, wealth and if he can Hell help a lady fair if shes in needOf company. But was wealth in his plan? (I really doubt it, so we must concedeFor though he rules a wealthy prelature,Its Shaygerlot in name and in nature.)

.69.

I must admit, his names a little crude, But in these times, a persons name meant moreAnd though its connotations are quite rude, His name was very apt; the one he bore.And with this name, so with an attitude A little high and mighty thats for sure,For often he would say In God we trust,If not in trust, then in his lust he must.

.70.

Oh what a tangled web it is we weave, Our earthly lives with many paths to take,And take was in his plan and not to leave A single stone unturned and so forsakeHis reputation (scant upon his sleeve), And hoefully, for Felix, trouble make.No matter that his actions were his name,It was that he and Claire were much the same.

.71.

It seems that Claire was fond of this and that, And of that this, she liked a little more,And known also to give tit-for-tat, (Apologies, a little rude, for sureDepending what you thought it was she's at, This little indescretion, please ignore.)Behind closed doors, where no one else can see,They did enjoy each others company.

.72.

It wasn't very soon in D'Bonaire, That rumors started coming thick and fast,'Bout Duke of Shaygerlot and his fair Claire, Of all the deeds they've done and sordid past.The people hoped that they would clear the air, And both of them, the truth to tell at last.But being secretive in all they did,From prying eyes and socialites they hid.

.73.

So no-one knew what they had on their mind, And no-one knew where Felix had sailed to.(The crew that took him didn't like his kind, And so refused to the people whoEnquired of his journey, so inclined Towards a story that had naught to doWith where he went, why, with whom and of howHis venture finished. Thought I'd tell you now.)

.74.

Yes, no-one knew, but did they really care? The truth is no, but that is no surprise,For all was running smooth in D'Bonaire, E'en though the Duke and Claire they did despise.So let us not debate what's happened there, And leave the pair to suffer their demise,For in a little while, we will returnWhen I discover something else to learn.

.75.

We left Felix and Sean to wonder why They should continue with their hot pursuitOf leprechauns; perhaps all pie in sky, And so an Irish legend to refute.It's maybe they've a sense of do or die, But I'm inclined that they would this dispute.I do believe that all has gone quite sour,With chances quick decreasing by the hour.

.76.

To catch a leprechaun and take his gold, This is the legend they have understood.To be the truth; a story that is told For people to believe. (As if you would!)To date they only knew of one so bold, Who tried to imitate as best he could,A leprechaun, and one not tall but high,'Twas little Norrie with his playful lie.

.77.An air of disappointment laid upon The pair who sat and stared into the fire,The stark awareness it was all a con Had quickly extinguished both hearts desire.To go investigate some more of Ire- land. Thus no motivation to enquireOf legends, lands and places here and there -A most begrudging Count of D'Bonaire.

.78.

Of course, Felix opposed this point of view To sit around, for there was nothing there,So he decided and concluded too, To go to Dublin with O'Houghing whereThere's better chance for him to find a crew To thus set sail and he would pay the fare.(The cost was minor details for the Count,And he would gladly forfeit the amount.)

.79.

Well mark my words - Sean scarce believed his ears, And Felix wondered what 'twas all about.Though living here in Ireland all these years, He (Sean that is) had never once been outUpon a boat before. So many tears Of joy and happiness, there left no doubt,That Sean was looking forward to the trip,And so to celebrate, he poured a nip.

.80.

First one, then two, then three, then four, then more! A little celebration - nat'rally -I've lost the count, the bottle's on the floor, And so are they, giggling hysterc'ly.Oh what would father say if this he saw? (I think he too would laugh most haughtily.)They got so full, they couldn't scratch an itch,And what's the saying? Payback is a bitch!

.81.

Si fuit errandum, causas habet err, (To be correct, it's error honestas),And whether it was error for this pair Is dubious (no need to make a fuss)For all at first, was silent and contrare, Then head and floor did meet and so concuss.But never fear dear reader, they'll be fine,The moans and groans and cursing, 'tis a sign!

.82.

You would have thought that Jesus Christ was there, Or paid a visit and I have to say,That Lazarus had nothing on this pair, At least he ventured forth to greet the day.These two now resurrected in their chair - (I think it was the Lord and that he mayHave had some pity, since they looked quite dead,And rose them both to teach what for instead.

.83.

Needless to say that later in the day, And feeling somewhat better than before,Decided that they soon should make their way To Dublin and from there a further shore.And trying hard to think (as well they may), Did choose a destination that for sure,Both holy in their attitude and hope -They're off to Italy to see the Pope!

.84.

The Pope, the Pontiff, yes, you've got it right, The great defender of St. Peter's Chair.The one who says his Paters through the night, Recites his Aves for the people there.A holy absolution in his sight To save the fam'ly name of D'Bonaire.In nomine Patris et Filii et,Spiritus Sancti - There's a blessing yet!

.85.

Now of this tale in Ireland, there's no more, As Sean and Felix fin'ly find their wayTo board a ship and leave ol' Ireland's shore, And off to meet the Pontiff, if they may.Perhaps the two will learn of Canon Law And what they can and what they cannot say.So we will catch the Count (yes Felix) there,In Italy where all's so debonair.

.86.

But don't forget the Duke of Shaygerlot, Still living there with Claire on D'Bonaire.I've still to tell you yet, what is, what's not, And how 'twill be for this unruley pair,Who wish to squander ev'rything they've got. (I know you're thinking, Why that isn't fair!)In God they trust? Well, let them do their best,And see how much they do - Be damned the rest!