The rest of the Patreidae took a vow

That never would they rest until the day

That Princess would once more return to the

Construction site that was, one day, to be,

The City of Meridiana.

Great heroes readied their most trusty steeds

And sharpened swords and painted shields with blood.

Brave Obadius readied his defence

Of leather armor, fastened straps and cords,

And donned his magic boots with which he could

Run very fast, although they hurt his feet.

The Meridian army marched to Hoy

(the city, not the god) but on the way

Were waylaid by a small gelato stand

Where, for only three thousand lira, one

Could get a cup or cone in two flavors

Like noci, limoncello, or, perhaps,

Nutella-flavored frozen ecstasy.

Our heroes paused and savored what could be

Their last gelato in the living world.

O what sweet times they had...

The two great armies met and took their sides,

Staked out their territories, chose their arms,

And braced themselves for lengthy years of war.