Nov 18, 2012 16:58
Finally found them.
Ballad of King Christian X.
(c) Peter Beagle
Arthur, Alfred, and Barbarossa
Rode to war with their singing men.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Rode in the park and rode home again.
Richard, Connor, El Cid Rodrigo
Burned great cities beneath the stars.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Gave out prizes at church bazaars.
Sargon, Offa, and Charlemagne
Waded in history to their lips.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Signed his papers and christened ships.
Chaka, Cyrus, and Chandragupta
Would have fought when the Germans came.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Told his people to swallow the shame.
James, and Carlo, and poor Alphonso
Fled the lands when they lost the throne.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Rode through his city each day, alone.
Hitler, Himmler, Goering, and Goebbels
Decreed yellow stars for the Danish Jews.
And good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Said no word when he heard the news.
Friends and strangers, may heaven spare us
From ever learning what souls we are.
But good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Rode next day with a yellow star.
"For as you do to the least of my people,
However weak or alone they be,"
Said good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
"So you do it unto me."
Arthur, Alfred, and Barbarossa
Made some sorrow and some to sing.
But good King Christian--the old king of Denmark--
Knew what mattered in being king.
music