Just because I feel like it…and because it is exactly what princes do:
When princes meet, the poor little men must tremble
In judgment seat. they speak of their wars while great armies assemble
Their armor shines to shame the sun
They move like gods they do resemble
All bow their necks to iron feet when princes meetWhen castles rise the poor little men must build them
To charm the skies, they throw up the turrets where the great lords will them
They dig the dungeons from the earth
And their brothers wives and children fill them
All those below cast down their eyes when castles riseGod save the king
For he grants us leave to serve him
His praises sing
And grant that we may deserve him
Who counts the cost?
The cattle and men to be lost?
‘Tis no small thing to serve a kingWhen kings make war, the poor little men must fight them
They must do more, they hold out their necks for great lords’ swords to bite them
The sons of the lords cleave through their ranks
In the hopes some warrior king might knight them
It’s what the poor little men are for when kings make warHide your cattle in the woods, Francois
The lord is looking your way
Hide your women and your goods, Francois
They’re coming around to make you pay
Hide if you can, poor little man
Think of a prayer to say
Hide if you can, poor little man
Think of a prayer to sayGod save the king
For he grants us leave to serve him
His praises sing
And grant that we may deserve him
Who counts the cost?
The cattle and men to be lost?
‘Tis no small thing to serve a king– Tom Paxton –
