The stars are very beautiful above the palace walls they shine with equal splendor still above far humbler walls I watch them from my window but their bright entrancing glow reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago
The royal circlet rests lightly on my brow I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow but once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and breed I found it heavy on the heart though light upon the head
Although I am the head of state in truth I am the least the true queen knows her people feed before she sits to feast the good queen knows her people safe before she takes her rest thinks twice and thrice and yet again before she makes request for they are all my children all that I've sworn to defend it is my duty to become both queen and trusted friend
And of my children high and low from beggar and and above the dearest are my Heralds who return my care with love the dearest are my Heralds swift to spring to my command who give me aid and fellowship who always understand that land and people first have needs that I may not deny so I must send my dearest friends to danger and to die a friend a lover a child it matters not I know indeed that I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need
They know and they forgive me doing more than I require with willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire these tears that grasp my eyes are all the tears a queen can't shed the tears I weap in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead
Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars if you can hear my cry and if you have compassion let me send no more to die
