as good as kings

by all we know of change we cannot speak
of who would give us shelter from the dark
within the walls of calm and shady park
confirming us among the many meek
defended by strange powers of the weak
we may defy the lion and the shark
not straying one lone inch beyond the mark
as now restraint and harsh reserve are chic
others may toil far underground in mines
or on estates their servile pains renew
but we are not to think upon such things
the measures come we understand the signs
and do not ask just what is in the stew
while thinking that we are as good as kings