Hammer and Forge

Hammer and Forge by Nawen Amakiir

• Instrument: 24 string Lute
• Costume: Romini Dress
• First Performed: Gilbert's Creative Costume Party, Blandenburg

A sinful young smith at his stood by an anvil a filing,
His hammer laid by bare,
When to him a buxom older woman came smiling
and asked if he could work at her forge.

"Always," said the smith, and they went off together
Along to the older lady's forge they did go,
They stripped to go to it, 'twas hot work and in hot weather;
She kindled a fire and she soon made him blow.

Her husband, she said, was unable to work the forge;
His stamina and his hammer were too old.
The smith said, "I am young and full of stamina,
And now I am ready my skill to show

Red hot grew his steel, as both did desire
and he was too wise not to strike while it was so.
she whispered, "What I get, I get from the fire,
Then please, strike hard and harder the blow."

Six times did his steel, by vigorous heating
Grow soft in the forge in a minute or so,
And often was hardened, still beating and beating,
But each time it softened it hardened slower.

The lass, full of sorrow and remembrance,
"Oh, what would I give, could my husband do so!
Good Smith, with your hammer, come here tomorrow

But, pray, can't you use it one more time, before you go?"