Ermea and Festus: Slavery

Roma has rejected me, O son of mine
For my persistent cries have brought her great shame
My tears have filled her cups like bitter wine
Now the traveler’s rimes not longer contain her name
-Mother

There lives a joyless woman there
Whose songs of lamentation pollutes the air
Day-long she cries about a certain heir
No longer at her sight, will I stare!
-Troubadours

So do they say
But for you, I shall stay
My son
My son
My son
How long until that day?
-Mother

My son is lost…
Who will pay the cost?
-Mother

Sold out to the most ruthless of masters
Faithless in his house
But to the world a great actor
Ruthless with his wife
But the town’s benefactor
Korporis is a godless man
But Dhaarmik is a faithful woman

Domhain is a peaceful border town
But Festus never sees her brighter side
Only at night is he allowed around
For the master is ashamed of his sight

Like a dog, he obeys his master’s command
Good or evil, right or wrong
Those are defined by the one who is strong
Like a dog who belongs to his master’s mind

Roma has swallowed me, O mother!
I once thought to be my own, but things are no longer the same
I don’t cry of solitude for I have two brothers
They are my companions in suffering that Guilt and that Shame
Enochi always reminds me of my foolishness
And Nitropi tells me that I am worthless
I am in bondage but I love my chains
This master may be cruel