The Tree that Wouldn't Fall
by Katherine Ashewode
This is the tale of the founding of House Broken Axe. It's (mostly) accurate.
Two young bowyers, filled with glee,
went off in search of the perfect tree.
They found one standing in the morning light,
and worked upon it with all their might.
Chorus:
The tree, the tree, why doesn't she fall?
If I should stay 'till my dying day, the tree will be standing tall.
They set upon it with a stout hand-axe,
they took turns giving it sturdy whacks.
But then they stared with strangled chokes,
for the tree was standing but the axe-head broke.
Chorus
A neighbor lent them another axe,
they set again to their chosen task.
But then they cried, "please God, no more!",
for this axe broke like the one before.
Chorus
Then one bowyer raised a shout,
"I'll fell this tree 'ere the day is out!"
He pushed and shoved 'till the trunk had broke,
but it leaned and stuck 'gainst another oak.
Chorus
So all you gentles who hear this song,
this to the lesson, it won't take long:
When you bring your axe to the forest floor,
make sure you've brought at least six more!
Chorus