Hazered of Hearts

Hazarded of Hearts

In London's famous gaming house, the air grew thickly dim,

As cigar smoke in curls rose and wine flasks grew more slim.

The anxious morning hours wept;-- Sir Giles lost it all; --

His house, his grand estate now gone; he staggered to the wall.

Lord Rutham sneered a challenge clear that he could not ignore,

"Come Giles, quitting? Now? so soon? Let's wager just once more.

Your darling sweet Serena, inspired all my tosses.

She treats me high and mighty. Now, her hand for all your losses.

Sir Giles turns; he takes the dice; he makes a desperate throw.

The game is lost; he cannot face his daughter with this woe.

A shot rings out; Sir Giles is dead. His shame too great to bear,

He took the coward's quick escape, and lay all gory there.

Lord Valcum to the challenge rose to vex old Rutthom's plot.

A hundred thousand guineas say's "I'll take the complete lot."

"Tonight I am unbeatable", said Ruttham in his pride.

They threw the dice and Ruttham lost. Lord Valcum won a bride.

Serena heard the dreadful news; her heart was torn in two.

With courage, strength and fortitude, (What else was there to do?

"I choose to pay my father's debts; I will not run and hide.

If I must wed Lord Valcum, then for honor, I'm a bride."

A careless game of chance had brought her into Valcum's care.

For all he knew she was a hag, showing years of wear.

At last he came to gauge his win and dispose of his duty,

Little knowing that the girl really was a beauty.

Descending round a curving stair, Serena came to view.--

The music swells; their eyes now meet; A leap of love! – They knew!

He sent her to his family home, to Mandrake near the sea,

A remote, haunted castle with complex history.

His mother ran a gaming house,-- black market on the side--

Serena was not welcome there, -- an object to deride.

A greater danger lurking near was soon made manifest.

Lord Ruttham, watching for his chance, was ruthless and obsessed.

He stole the sweet Serena who fought him desperately.

At last a timely highway man returned her presently.

Lord Valcum challenged him to dual. The scumbag broke the code.--

A coward, scoundrel, villain, knave-- at last his colors showed.

We cannot go on drifting now, two strangers, you and I.

My love for you I cannot hide; a wedding soon draws nigh.