"By my order, for the good of the State," She spoke her verdict calmly as she signed my fate. She had known me in her chamber, Smiled on me in Hall, But I was lowest in her court And she the Queen o'er all. "By my order, for the good of the State, A foreign king I marry to settle all debate." She spoke her will in council, But in private summoned me. "I must cast you off, my darling pet. You've become a luxury." "By my order, for the good of the State, The land demands its safety; I make treaty for a mate. As a woman I have loved you ~ I would wish to keep you by, But as Queen I know my duty: You must leave now...or die!" "By my order, for the good of the State, You are banished from my kingdom, my conscience, my estate. Do not look for me to weaken, To fail to meet the price. I am ruler now and power Commands this sacrifice." "By my order, for the good of the State," She set her seal to paper and sent me from her gate. I wander now in exile To sing of what I've seen, That men may know the difference Twixt woman's heart ~ and Queen! Click play button to play audio More Songs Poetry Back to Index |