the statesman

a single word will halt the swiftest deed
silence assents but silence always lies
not one of you but fails to come at need

we find the hero but a broken reed
when asked for labour or for quick supplies
a single word will halt the swiftest deed

there's never haste nor is there ever speed
the hero every barrier magnifies
not one of you but fails to come at need

we are required to subscribe to your creed
and kept quite faithful by your many spies
a single word will halt the swiftest deed

you will not come although we fall and bleed
blaming foul weather under clearest skies
not one of you but fails to come at need

your only virtue is a sort of greed
for all the things that decent folk despise
a single word will halt the swiftest deed
not one of you but fails to come at need