We are the ill-made knights;
We are the children of Quixote.
We do not fight for glory,
For we expect to be forgotten;
We do not fight for gain,
For we expect to die;
We do not fight for love of war,
For we have known the joy of peace.
And yet, we fight.
It is better to have Freedom than Safety;
It is better to have Justice than Law;
It is better to have Dignity than Comfort;
It is better to have Honor than Love.
We are not welcome in this Age,
If indeed we were welcome in any.
And if we should prevail–
If the forlorn hope should materialize–
If the dawn should find us on our feet–
There is always another Quest;
It is not our fate to rest quietly.
We are the children of Quixote;
We are the ill-made knights.
MAL FET!
Paul Haynie
11/30/2000
In case it is necessary, I will explain that “Il Chevalier Mal Fet” is a title given to Lancelot, and means, “The Ill-Made Knight”, and is a reference to the fact that, in spite of his prowess, he was ugly (which brings up the parallel to “Quasimodo”; I think he qualifies for membership as well). I will also point out, lest there be any confusion, that the title is pronounced, “MAHL FAY”.
So… The list begins: Lancelot, Quasimodo, Quixote, Cyrano…