For one of us to suffer such a change!
But thou? Why all the kings of earth” said he,
“Have played the fool and played it skillfully!”
Then the king’s laugh stirred all the arras dim,
Till courtiers wondered at his humor grim.
And so it chanced when wintry sunbeams shone
From Christmas skies, lo! perched upon the throne
Sat Lionel the Fool, in purple drest,
The royal jewels blazing on his breast.
On Christmas morning too, the king arose,