Page:Songs of a Savoyard.djvu/53

Rh Or receive with ceremonial and state An interesting Eastern Potentate.
 * After that we generally
 * Go and dress our private valet—

(It's a rather nervous duty—he a touchy little man)—
 * Write some letters literary
 * For our private secretary—

He is shaky in his spelling, so we help him if we can.
 * Then, in view of cravings inner,
 * We go down and order dinner;

Or we polish the Regalia and the Coronation Plate—
 * Spend an hour in titivating
 * All our Gentlemen-in-Waiting;

Or we run on little errands for the Ministers of State.
 * Oh, philosophers may sing
 * Of the troubles of a King;
 * Yet the duties are delightful, and the privileges great;
 * But the privilege and pleasure
 * That we treasure beyond measure
 * Is to run on little errands for the Ministers of State!

After luncheon (making merry On a bun and glass of sherry),
 * If we've nothing in particular to do.

We may make a Proclamation, Or receive a Deputation—
 * Then we possibly create a Peer or two.

Then we help a fellow creature on his path With the Garter or the Thistle or the Bath: Or we dress and toddle off in semi State To a festival, a function, or a fête.
 * Then we go and stand as sentry
 * At the Palace (private entry),