The battlefield is silent, the shadows growing long
Though I may view the sunset
I'll not live to see the dawn
The trees have ceased to rustle
the birds no longer sing
All nature seems to wonder at the passing of a King.
And now you stand before me,
your father's flesh and blood
Begotten of my sinews on the woman that I loved
So difficult the birthing
the mother died that day
And now you stand before me
to bear my crown away.
The hour is fast approaching
when you come into your own
When you take the ring and sceptre,
and sit upon the throne
Before that final hour when we each
must meet our fate
Pray gaze upon the royal crown
and marvel at its weight.
This cap of burnished metal is the symbol of a land
Supporting all we cherish,
the dreams for which we stand
The weight, you'll find, is nothing
if you hold it in your palm
The burden of the crown begins
the day you put it on.
See how the jewels sparkle as you gaze at it again
Each facet is a subject whose rights you must defend
Every point of light a burden
you must shoulder with your own
And mighty is the burden of the man upon the throne.
The day is nearly ended, my limbs are growing cold
I can feel the angels waiting
to receive my passing soul
Keep well for me my kingdom
when my memory is dead
And forgive me for the burden
I place upon your head.