Kings And Subjects

I am the bard of equality. At the crossroads I sing, Where pity and sympathy Have made us all comrades and brother It is a simple question, We are all children of this earth, But can you tell me Why are some kings, rolling in luxury And some subjects, starving in gutters? But it is a queer philosophy, If I state this simple truth I am charged with sedition. The subject can turn a traitor as simply as that. But whom shall I ask Why a king should not be condemned As a traitor to the people For his thousand crimes and follies It is the people who create kings And not the kings the people Is that the reason Why the king tortures the people? Is that the way They express their gratitude? How can you smile, friend? We are only coolies and servants In our own home and land. We have given up our manliness, Our strength, and power. And what have we got? Rendered eunuchs we are guarding today The lascivious harem of the tyrant king. Whom shall I relate to This sad and tragic tale? In our Own land we are the ruled and the oppressed. Those who make up the very country Have no right in it While the rulers enjoy, The people remain starved and hungry. Whom shall I complain to Of this grievous injustice? All around we hear the sycophants crying 'God save the king, Glory to him', We the people are always judged. Is there no Hall of Justice for the kings and the monarchs? The war-drums sound deafeningly And the country's youth rush To the battle-field to die with smiles on their lips. But the tender and loving hearts, losing their dear ones, Weep bitter tears at home. And the ravens fly over their roofs. The royal road is ready.. The victorious chariot will soon pass by Rejoice, O Citizens! Have not your sons come back? Did not your brothers return? Are your husbands dead? Why weep for them? They sleep in the lap Of the Goddess of victory. A dark shadow of gloom and grief Envelopes the country today, God save the King, glory to him? Rejoice, O Citizens, For the king has come out of his fort today After so many days. The King's chariot is flying fast, Trampling under the wheels The returned heroes, Trampling underneath The brave crippled soldiers and the glorious dead. O the one-armed and the one-legged Soldiers of the King, Keep off the roads and move away If you want to save your lives today. Well, friend, That is exactly what happens, The people fight and win the battles And sing the King's praises, The people provide their rulers With food and apparel. The people serve the king with devotion and humility Only to be rewarded like this. Isn't that a queer justice, friend? We have to bow down and make obeisance To the servants who are paid from our money. Come, O you all, and have a look At those glorious Public Servants of our land. The wheels of Time revolve, And yet here in our country Over millions of men Rule a hundred thieves. It is no wishful thinking, Nor is the day very far When all the kings of the world Will, in unison, sing The People's Victory. [Original: Raja-Proja; Translation: Kabir Chowdhury]