The Squire and the Wizard

Mind-mired in vainglorious dreams
Of moon-lit moors and lonely Lords,
Of slaying savage evil-doers,
Of sighing sirens, singing swords,
I ventured off to Camelot.

Merlin's eyes were mesmerized
By sinister visions of woe,
Singular sagas of sadness
Madness and deaths I'd yet to know.

Steeped in sorcery, Merlin's mind
Seethed with strange Satanic visions,
Searing scenes of funeral fires,
Augeries of fatal decisions.
I soon would enter Camelot.

Maimed by Merlin's maniac gaze,
His meaningless chants and mumbling,
I stammered out my knighthoood ambition;
My confidence though, was crumbling.

Obsessed with morbid mysteries,
He morbidly smiled, as though amused.
His wizened fram mingled macabre
With malignant as I stood confused.
I had arrived at Camelot.

Malicious misanthropy marked
His mood.  He said "Your virtue needs a test."
From his cloak he drew a mirror.
He sneered as he told me of my quest.

"Until the terms of this task you've met
Set no foot near Camelot's door.
Unravel the riddle of self. 
Take this mirror."  He said no more.
I had been banished from Camelot.

Meandering through mazes of madness,
Menaced by minstrels of might,
I doubt I shall solve this riddle of self
On this, or any other night.

But still, I'll retain the mirror,
This strange gift of Merlin's, so precious.
It helps me view myself, I'll keep it near.
Why did Merlin call me "Narcissus?"
I doubt I'll again visit Camelot.