AMONG the sons of Englishmen <br />Full many feel like real tears, <br />For, though he reigned but scarcely ten, <br />He bore the burden many years. <br />He lived the dead past doubly down, <br />He shamed, by manliness and truth, <br />The lies that beat about a crown, <br />And round a known man in his youth. <br /> <br />For he had lived as men have done <br />Since Adam’s time, to prove them true. <br />He proved it in his manhood’s prime, <br />And to the end, as strong men do. <br />And so he died, and, ever since, <br />And on through years the words shall ring: <br />“He lived a man, he lived a prince, <br />And died a gentleman and King.” <br /> <br />Unto the friends of his hot youth, <br />In his wise age, he still was true. <br />He showed, by steadfastness and truth, <br />What kings as well as men can do; <br />Till all was manlike or forgot, <br />Long years ere he found his release; <br />He made them loyal who were not, <br />He won respect, and kept the peace.<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-king-i/
