The New Council by Smil Flashka of Pardubice Lore Books

Description

On the council of beasts, which advised the King how to rule well and for the good of all.

Text

The New Council
by Smil Flashka of Pardubice

‘Twas in a time that’s now long gone,
The King of all the beasts, the lion,
Sent his envoys far and near
For all the animals to hear.
Every one, both great and small,
Must answer to their monarch’s call.

This command the lion did say;
Even Prince Eagle must obey
And bring all birds upon the wing,
To come and bow before their king.
The king’s command by all was heard,
They heeded well the royal word.
Even the eagle’s princely domain
Could not deny the lion’s reign.
It too was subject to the king,
Who in those days ruled everything.

And so the eagle, Prince of birds,
Obeyed the lion’s royal words
And brought his legions of the air.
All creatures then assembled there
In one great restless throng awaiting
Anxious to oblige their great king.
Attentively they craned their necks,
To hear what orders would come next.

Looking down on all his court,
The lion started to report
Why they were all assembled here
To hear his words with pricked-up ears:
“Loyal subjects, dearest friends,
Well I know that to the end
You served my father faithfully,
As all know well on land and sea,
’Twas by your council and your aid,
His kingdom of the world he made.

This loyalty shall you give me too,
For I have placed my trust in you,
Lords and ladies, princes, knights,
Subjects of my realm by rights.
I am a king of tender years,
And so you all are gathered here,
To advise me, each and every one,
How my dominion should be run.“