In Praise of the Three Good Men

We dusted our caps and took the vital posts,

We only feared the chance might pass us by.

We did our utmost through the months and years

And worried always it was not enough.

Our devotion brought us unearned notice

And gained for us the ruler's special favor.

When he drove out, we rode in the royal coach,

Inside the palace, served beneath red curtains.

He always took our counsel and advice

He never ignored our plans and admonitions.

'One fine day I will leave for good,

Who will be willing then to go with me?’

Such lavish favor as his is hard to forget

How can they disobey their lord's command?

As they approached the grave they had no doubts

This was the hoped-for chance, to die for duty.

The thorny trees enclose the high grave mound,

Truly sad is the song ofthe yellow birds.

For those brave men who could not be ransomed

The fowing tears wet my gown.