The Burden of the Crown

The battlefield is silent the shadows growing long Though I may view the sunset I'll not live to see the dawn The trees have ceased to rustle, the birds no longer sing All nature seems to wonder at the passing of a king

And now you stand before me your father's flesh and blood Begotten of my sinews on the woman that I loved So difficult the birthing, the mother died that day And now you stand before me to take my crown away

The hour is fast approaching when you come into your own When you take the ring and scepter and sit upon your throne Before that fatal hour when we each must meet our fate Pray gaze upon the royal crown and marvel at its weight

This cap of burnished metal is the symbol of a land Supporting all we cherish, the dreams for which we stand The weight you'll find is nothing if you hold it in your hand The burden of the crown begins the day you put it on

See how the jewels sparkle as you gaze on it again Each facet is a subject whose rights you must defend Every point of light a burden you must shoulder with your own And mighty is the burden of the man upon the throne

The day is nearly ended, my limbs are growing cold I feel the angels waiting to receive my passing soul Keep well for me my kingdom, when my memory is dead And forgive me for the burden I place upon your head!