The Prince of Swords
Lyrics by Fran Landesman
Self-crowned protector of the wounded
Self-crowned destroyer of the strong
What am I doing in your movie?
How long, oh love, how long?
Many are ready to acclaim you
Many will follow where you lead
How can you keep your wine unwatered
With all those loves to feed
Once you appeared in armour shining
Once I was captured by your smile
Now I can see you as my killer
The jury at my trial
Do you remember winter landscapes
Nutcakes and figs and china tea?
Fire-lit your hands were warm and gentle
Your sword was sheathed in me
You try to train me like a falcon
I have my sky dream to protect
So you select another lover
Who shows you more respect
I could have stood your other lovers
I could have let you travel free
If you had found in all your bounty
One special place for me
I’ll fly away before I’m broken
Leaving you satin and a song
Self-crowned protector of the wounded
Self-crowned destroyer of the strong
from
"The Ballad of the Sad Young Men and other verse"
by Fran Landesman
First published in Great Britain in 1975 by the Polytantric press
© Fran Landesman