Prayer for the Kingdom
When subjects fear to truely speak their heart.
When zealous, jealous, guards of his honor
Call contrary counsel base treason.
For such evils does this foul folly stir
That those afflicted have no hope save prayer.
Good people, please heed this stumbling prayer.
Protect yourselves, your kingdom, and your king!
Think not you are too weak and dare not stir
To contradict the crown when in your heart
You know he errs. Rather, think it treason,
And breach of your fealty oath and honor
To forbear. Render your crown the honor
Of your trust. He shall give ear to your prayer
For discourse. Being wise, he can tell treason
From honest disagreement. A king
With such subjects prospers; they have at heart
His well being and within their breasts stir
Duty and respect. But, alas, there stir
Across the land self-anointed guards of "honor"
Who for "courtesy" poison the heart
Of the country. They hear the honest prayer
Given lovingly to correct the king
And slander it as basest treason.
The "guards", not the people, do the treason.
For in their eager jealousy they stir
True hatred and resentment 'gainst the king.
For the people will think he has no honor;
That the king will hear no contrary prayer
To his counsel. That he is proud, his heart
Stone, when in truth the king would know the heart
And thought of his subjects. Thus the treason
Of the "guards" is double. They hide the prayer
And advice of his counselors, and stir
The people to wrath. In the name of honor
They dishonor with their "service" to the king.
So heed this prayer! When such servants stir
Their deadly treason 'cross the land, honor
Your oath! Reveal your heart! And truly serve your king.