The Teacher

In wisdom first, to proudly reign
Philosopher and king, the same
And leading captives in your train.
O son of combat, turn again;
Your first love calls you: counsel, thought,
You traded them, and dearly bought

Your flesh, your satisfaction, won
And at what cost is all this done?
A race all kings have sorely run.
(There's nothing new beneath the sun)
And you in all your wisdom, blind
In seeking what you cannot find.

For there it was in temple stone,
Married to your mighty throne.
You the arbiter, now grown
To stand in empty courts alone.
Wisdom, love, and favor, lost.
Your heart alone knows well the cost.