God said, “I am tired of kings,”⁠— + 

But that was a long while ago! + 

And meantime man said, “No⁠— + 

I like their looks in their robes and rings.” + 

So he crowned a few more, + 

And they went on playing the game as before, + 

Fighting and spoiling things. + 

Man said, “I am tired of kings! + 

Sons of the robber-chiefs of yore, + 

They make me pay for their lust and their war; + 

I am the puppet, they pull the strings; + 

The blood of my heart is the wine they drink. + 

I will govern myself for awhile I think, + 

And see what that brings!” + 

Then God, who made the first remark, + 

Smiled in the dark. + 