The Game

Lords and kings in castle halls,

Throned within their fortress walls,

With their crowns upon their heads

And their armies strongly led,

Reign in glory known abroad,

With such fame as dear is sought.

Yet, behind the gilded throne,

Who ensures the king is known;

Or, in secret, plots the paths

That the armies tread at last,

Setting lords in grander halls

Or sending them in chains, as thralls?

Who, then, holds the greatest sway,

The kings and lords, or councils grey

Whose knowledge reaches through the gleam 

Of swords, and crowns, and satin sheen?

Do throne and scepter rulers make?

Or do the students, grim, of Fate?