Kings

…M ETHINKS ,
There's something lonely in the state of kings!
None dare come near them. As the eagle, poised
Upon his sightless throne in upper air,
Scares gentler birds away, so kings (cut off
From human kindred, by the curse of power,)
Are shunned, and live alone. Who dare come near
The region of a king? There is a wall
(Invisible indeed, yet strong and high,)
Which fences kings from close approach of men.
They live respected—oh, that cheat ‘respect!’
As if the homage which abases others
Could comfort him that has't. Alone,—alone!
Prisoned in ermine and a velvet chair,
Shut out from hope, (the height being all attained,)
Yet touched by terrors,—what can sooth a king?
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