Born Vera Alice Neve 16th of May 1936, died today the 17th of June 2010. Survived by one son.It was many and many a year agoIn the year twelve hundred and three,There dwelt a knight in the land of NormansIn the county of Picardie.And the poor called blessing on his headFor tender of heart was he,And for none other such praises rungIn all the faire countrie.Now all good men it is their fateEnvy and dread to raise;And there was one whose jealous heartAngered to hear his praise.Henri of Artois (Duke was heOf the Royal blood of France)A vow he made that come what wouldThis knight should feel his lance.Now the banner of the cross was raisedIn the fair summer time,And all true knights who loved their soulWent forth to Palestine.So the knight of Picardie went forthAnd the Duke of Artois as well,To fights for the Sepulchre of their LordIn the hands of the Infidel.Of the noble men and the deeds they did,My tale won't let me say;But the Duke and the Knight met all aloneAt the end of a battle day.Now cried the Duke, "Be on your guardFor one of us must die;"And the blows fell thick on their armour brightThey fought so lustily.At last the Knight struck such a blowIt brought him to his knees,"Strike, Sir Knight," now called the Duke,"For you've won such a victory.""No, Lord Duke, I give you your life,It shall never be said of meThat I killed a man when I had him down,Though my deadly enemy.""Not enemies now, O peerless Knight,For now I know full wellThat none more noble or true than thouIn Picardie doth dwell.""Thy shield hath our Crusader's CrossAnd now to thee I giveFive snow white lilies off my shieldAs pure as the name, Neve.""And for thy crest I bid thee wearWhat thou hast fairly won,A golden lily, seeded and stalkedThrust through my Ducal crown."Sola proba quae honesta :That shall thy motto be,That all posterity shall knowNoblesse oblige: Honesty."(Image removed from quote.)
