KINGSHIP

New Zealand Tablet, 1 April 1920, Page 33

KINGSHIP

(For the y.Z. Tablet.) The camp fires of : the tented line of Pharaoh, The cressets of Avignon, and old Rome, Red Atli’s torch, the lamp of Charlemagne, Alike have flickered down the splendrous years, Till ash and socket now alone remain. Rulers to-day, content with robes and crowns, Cringe unto those their sires held feodat, ' And conscious kingship weeps - its stately loss, As flagons mourn the ancient, purple wine. So the court fool might leave in stealth his stool, To creep into the empty, daised throne, Dreaming his motley into cloth of gold. The twilight walls into a'subject world; And wake to find- the air a flower with lights, Himself still fool in jerkin, cap, and bells, And courtiers mocking him with mirthful knee. - E.D.