Remarks About Kings

God said, "I am tired of kings."--EMERSON.

God said, "I am tired of kings,"-- But that was a long time ago! And meantime man said, "No, I like their looks in their robes and rings." So he crowned a few more, And they went on playing the game as before Fighting and spoiling things.

Man said, "I am tired of kings! Sons of the robber-chiefs of yore, They make me pay for their lust and their war; I am the puppet, they pull the strings; The blood of my heart is the wine they drink. I will govern myself for while I think, And see what that brings!"

Then God, who made the first remark, Smiled in the dark.

Read at the meeting of the American Academy, Boston. November, 1915.