Award of the Tower's Foundation

Awarded to Melisant Saint-Clair (modernly known as Melanie Schuessler Bond)

By the Barony of Cynnabar on 2015-04-12

All honorable actions that the world adorn,
all good which Nature to us mortals can transmit,
and all invention or machine can counterfeit,
this seamstress carried in her soul when she was born.

The truth and justice that in Grecian schools are sworn
and fervently debated, and the fire that lit
the love of Good and hatred of Good’s opposite:
like simple, graceful clothes, these virtues she has worn.

And generosity—which other virtues frames—
embellishes her skill, as golden threads will give
to pearls an added luster; and her kindly aims;

And patience, which makes glad all who affirmatives
of peace from her have heard. Thus all the world proclaims:
How fortunate are we that live here while she lives.

Herewith do We, Ermenrich and Kasha, Baron et Baronne de Cynnabar, grant to Melisant Saint-Clair Our Award of the Tower’s Foundation. Let none countermand Our words.
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Text adapted from Sonnet IV from Le Premier Livre des sonnets pour Hélène by Pierre de Ronsard (1578).

Pronunciation Guide:
Baron et Baronne de -- /ba.'ʀɔ̃ e ba.'ʀɔn də/

For updates and corrections, please e-mail precedence@cynnabar.org. Include your SCA name, modern name, awards to add, and date received.