Cost of the Crown
[00:06.14] The stars are very beautiful,
[00:09.41] Above the palace walls,
[00:12.16] They shine with equal splendour,
[00:14.93] Still above far humbler halls.
[00:18.83] I watch them from my window,
[00:21.36] But their bright entrancing glow,
[00:25.06] Reminds me of the freedom
[00:27.50] I gave up so long ago.
[00:33.03] The royal circlet of bright gold
[00:36.04] Rests lightly on my brow,
[00:39.29] I once thought only of the rights
[00:42.41] This circlet would endow.
[00:45.55] But once I took the crown to which
[00:48.51] I had been schooled and bred,
[00:51.73] I found it heavy on the heart,
[00:54.98] Though light upon the head.
[00:59.78] Although I am the head of state,
[01:02.91] In truth I am the least,
[01:05.91] The true Queen knows her people fed,
[01:09.19] Before she sits to feast.
[01:12.44] The good Queen knows her people safe,
[01:15.42] Before she takes her rest,
[01:18.62] Thinks twice and thrice and yet again,
[01:21.66] Before she makes request.
[01:26.46] For they are all my children,
[01:29.12] All, that I swore to defend,
[01:32.68] It is my duty to become
[01:36.19] Both Queen and trusted friend.
[01:39.41] And of my children high and low,
[01:42.62] From beggar to above,
[01:45.61] The dearest are my Heralds,
[01:48.42] Who return my care with love.
[01:52.95] The dearest are my Heralds,
[01:55.93] Swift to spring to my command.
[01:59.68] Who give me aid and fellowship,
[02:02.63] Who always understand.
[02:06.19] That land and people first have needs
[02:09.08] That I may not deny
[02:12.56] So I must send my dearest friends
[02:15.29] To danger, and to die.
[02:20.30] A friend, a love, a child
[02:22.58] It matters not, I know indeed,
[02:26.66] That I must sacrifice them all
[02:29.83] If there should be the need.
[02:32.84] They know, and they forgive me
[02:35.60] Doing more than I require,
[02:39.30] With willing minds and loving hearts
[02:42.33] Go straight to grasp the fire.
[02:50.09] These tears that burn my eyes are
[02:52.89] All the tears the Queen can't shed,
[02:56.54] The tears I weep in silence
[02:59.31] As I mourn my Heralds dead.
[03:02.87] Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars,
[03:05.82] If you can hear my cry,
[03:14.35] And if you have compassion
[03:21.02] Let me send no more to die
