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KINGSHIP, by                    
First Line: What speech my heart commands, my brain must write
Last Line: Their truth to kingship only my heart can say.


What speech my heart commands, my brain must write,
And find what words it can to fit the need,
Nor will its rebel waywardness be freed
By pleading lack of skill or nameless fright.
No prudent self-defense can dim the light,
Nor true untruth retard the forcing seed,
Nor sword, although the heart itself may bleed,
Sever the golden bloom from shining sight.

And having thus the strength to rule as king,
My heart must keep a sovereign's word and way,
On roads beyond Apollo's farthest swing,
In speech of Heaven span with comet's play;
And being both unguided by sure wing,
Their truth to kingship only my heart can say.





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