no king returns

we wait for rescue and beseech for aid

lacking in energy to build our hope

we'd hang ourselves had we a length of rope

our teachers have worked well we are afraid

of secret forces that have been arrayed

against our interests and we cannot cope

with any hard idea we need soft soap

to soothe us now as we accept the blade

those who would warn have nothing more to say

in all this noise and might as well shut up

letting what happens simply take its course

the foolish are supposed to have their way

while we're constrained to drink from the dark cup

and see the final cost of all their force