The Cost of the Crown

The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls

They shine with equal splendour, still above far humbler halls

I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow

Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow

I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow

But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred

I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head

Although I am the head of state, in truth I am the least

The true Queen knows her people fed, before she sits to feast

The good Queen knows her people safe, before she takes her rest

Thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before she makes request

For they are all my children, all, that I swore to defend

It is my duty to become both Queen and trusted friend

And of my children high and low, from beggar to above

The dearest are my Heralds, who return my care with love

The dearest are my Heralds, swift to spring to my command

Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand

That land and people first have needs that I may not deny

So I must send my dearest friends to danger and to die

A friend, a love, a child it matters not, I know indeed

That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need

They know and they forgive me doing more than I require

With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire

These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the Queen can't shed

The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead

Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry

And if you have compassion, let me send no more to die