English poem
The banners were waving, gems glittered and shone
by Carolyn Wells (1862–1942)
The banners were waving, gems glittered and shone, When my first and my second ascended the throne, And peacefully reigned with a merciful sway In glory and splendor. But one summer day A message was brought to the court and the state That the king was not coming, the session must wait. A great consternation o’er all faces spread; They whispered in sorrow, “Alack for his head!” And the courtiers echoed, “Alas for his poll! Oh, who can now help him, his head is my whole!”