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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WayneLigon" data-source="post: 3118170" data-attributes="member: 3649">Advice to Would - Be HeroesLyrics by Mercedes LackeySo want you go earning your keep with your swordAnd you think it cannot be too hard-And you dream becoming a hero or lordWith your praises sung out by some bardWell now, let me then venture to give you adviceAnd when all of my lecture is doneWe will see if my words have not made you think twiceAbout whether adventuring is “fun!”Now before you seek shelter or food for yourselfGo seek first for those things for your beastFor he is worth far more than praises or pelfThough a fool things to value him least.It you’ve ever a moment at leisure to spareThen devote it, as if to your god,To his grooming, and practice, and weapons-repairAnd seeing you both are well-shodEat lightly and sparingly - never full-fed-For a full belly founders your mindAh, but sleep when you can - it is better than bread-For on night-watch no rest you will findDo not boast of your skill, for there is always one moreWho would prove he is better then youTreat swordladies like sisters, and not like a whoreOr your wenching days, child, will be fewWhen you look for a captain, then look for a manWho think first of his man and their beasts,And who listens to scouts, and has more than one plan,And heeds not overmuch to the priestsAnd if you become captain, when choosing your manDo not look at the “Heroes” at allFor a hero dies young - rather choose yourself tenOr a dozen whose pride’s not so tall Now your Swordmaster’s god - whosoever he be-When he stands there before you to teachAnd don’t argue or whine, think to mock foolishlyOr you’ll soon be consulting a leech!Now most booty is taken by generals and kingsAnd there is little that’s left for the lowSo it’s best to learn skills, or work at odd thingsTo keep food in your mouth as you goAnd last, if you should chance to reach equal my yearsYou must find you a new kind of tradeFor a plea that you’re still spry will fall on deaf ears-There’s no work for old swords, I’m afraidNow if all what I’ve told you has not changed your mindThen I’ll teach you best as I can .For you’re stubborn, like me, and like me of the kindBecomes one fine Swords-woman or -man!</blockquote>

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