a long one

.
Almost a year ago, a fellow denizen of rec.music.filk (I confess, I haven't been there lately) was looking for a Canterbury Carol. I consulted one or two sources and, not finding one, set out to write one. I took Chaucer as my text, and proceeded to grind out the ensuing verses. It has no tune, though "Rejoice, Immanuel" was handy to keep in mind while writing it, so the thing would at least scan. I used some words that would have rhymed a long time ago, or at least thought I did. It just occurred to me I should post it soon if I wanted to hear it in the malls by Christmas.

Choruses: You could probably save a lot of time by only singing one at the beginning and one at the end. Just in case anyone wants to strike a middle course, I have indicated choruses after every few verses. Ignore at will. You say it doesn't look that long? Don't look inside, if you want to keep that illusion.

CANTERBURY CAROL

Pilgrims, nine and twenty number we,
Traveling in such a company.
To Canterbury now we all do come
To shrive our sins at Thomas Becket's tomb.

A KNIGHT I am, whose warlike chivalry
Does serve our peaceful Lord of Galilee.
To heathen foes the fight I'd gladly press
To show them Jesu's grace and gentleness.

I am his YEOMAN, clad in brightest green.
My bow is long, my arrows true and keen.
How dull is e'en the sharpest shining sword
When laid beside our savior's holy word.
(Chorus)

( FAIR WARNING )