University of Virginia Library

King, n.

[_]

A male person commonly known in America as a “crowned head,” although he never wears a crown and has usually no head to speak of.


179

[A king, in times long, long gone by]

A king, in times long, long gone by,
Said to his lazy jester:
“If I were you and you were I
My moments merrily would fly—
No care nor grief to pester.”
“The reason, Sire, that you would thrive,”
The fool said—“if you'll hear it—
Is that of all the fools alive
Who own you for their sovereign, I've
The most forgiving spirit.”
Oogum Bem.