61

THE banners were waving, gems glittered and shone, When my first and my second ascended the throne, And peacefully reigned with a merciful sway In glory and splendor. But one summer day A message was brought to the court and the state That the king was not coming, the session must wait. A great consternation o’er all faces spread; They whispered in sorrow, “Alack for his head!” And the courtiers echoed, “Alas for his poll! Oh, who can now help him, his head is my whole!”