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Lord Thomas’s Page

November A.S. 20

In previous articles, I lave written on the topics of honour, chivalry, and courtesy, and have spoken of what we call "The Dream" as I see it. I have spoken on these themes in various ways and have attempted to show their many manifestations. But, sadly, I have also found it necessary to decry those corrosive elements which seek to tarnish and destroy this Dream that I love.

Gossip and "politics," in their self seeking and destructive forms, and e all too willingness of some to build their dreams of self importance at the expense of others, whose dreams lie tragic in their shattered ruin; all these and more tear down what we would build, even as we lay each brick in its place.

Most of all, the greatest danger to that transcendent dream that I believe lies within us, also comes from something else that lies within. I call this "The Barbarian Within." He does not care for dreams, for with every stroke of his selfish hand, he destroys dreams. He does not care for honor or courtesy or chivalry, he cares only for what he wants for himself, for what makes him seem glorious to others. In short, he doesn't get the point.

In this 20th Century, we have seen evidence all about of his excesses. And, so, in response, a comparative few of us have created an enclave of gentility and chivalry in the midst of this sea of barbarianism and darkness. The candlelight of our dreams and the wishes of our souls flutter bravely in the cold winds that ever seek to extinguish them forever. On so many nights, n many places, I have seen the fire burn bright in the eyes made beautiful by the longing within.

But, I have also seen the Barbarian penetrate our circle and insinuate himself to sometimes sit by our hearthside.

At the last Mists Cynagua War, he struck again and again, and nearly cost us a beautiful site. His careless driving, openly drinking in vehicles and, in general, his barbarian's behavior, brought shame and a black mark on our reputations. And yet, I could see from the concerned faces of all present at Court, when Prince Kevin spoke against this, that again, as apparently always, he had had his fun and left the innocent with the price to pay. When the time comes to pay the piper, he never seems to be around.

But, it is not enough for us to find him within ourselves (for that is where he hides) and crush him out. We must help those young people among us see him for what he is, for they are our future. It is commonly accepted among teenagers in mundane society that drinking to drunkenness and using various illegal substances is "fun" and "okay." Many people in the Society like to revel and may even use these same substances. I enjoy a good revel and, although I no longer use certain substances, have. But it is one thing to indulge in the privacy of one's pavilion as an adult, and another thing to openly do it in front of children. Small wonder that we see and hear of young people following suit because no one seems to feel it necessary to say no.

It may be that some of us may not see anything wrong in this: "So what if the kid gets drunk or stoned." But, what some individuals are into is not what the Society is all about. There are many parents who don't want to see that barbarian lay his mark upon their children and do not want them exposed to this.

The S.C.A. has always been a place where young and old could find a place to dream. It has always been a haven for the dreamer. Unless we protect it on both a spiritual as well as a temporal plane, we will not pass the kindled flame of our collective dreams and desires on to our young. We will only preside over the squandering of its warmth and light for the Barbarian's fun.

And, our young people will only inherit the ashes of what might have been. Even if violation of mundane laws by those few people who consider nothing but their immediate whims does not bring us to ruin, what do we profit if we should let the light of our dreams die? I do not believe that a good party and someone to warm your sleeping bag is all the Society is about. I have tried time and again to express this.

Some time ago, in another Kingdom, there was a serious problem with children, aided and abetted by certain "adults" abusing alcohol and drugs at events. Concerned mothers who had had enough of this found it necessary to serve notice to everyone, from royalty down, that in the future, it they saw anyone give a child alcohol or drugs, or use illegal drugs openly at events, they would take action. They would not go to the Prince, they said, or the King, but to the police. No longer would they tolerate this being hushed up. This was an extreme step, and I pray that it never becomes necessary here. But I can sympathize with these mothers who wanted to protect their own and the S.C.A. from the thoughtless few those Barbarians of the spirit who just don't care.

I love the Society and that for which it stands. I love the Dream and the search for an inner beauty of which the Dream speaks. I only hope that we can defeat that Barbarian and send him from our hearthside; back into that darkness from whence he came. It is when we fight to protect that shimmering but fragile Dream we share, that we give it a chance for life. Only then may our children inherit the vision so that they too, in their turn, may pass it on.

As ever, In Service to the Dream,

Lord Thomas Buttesthorn

 



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