Bury the Bitu Riges

"Bitu-riges means 'Kings of the World.' In that self-effacing landscape of pasture and hedgerows, it seems a wonderfully immodest name."

The kings of the world,

Whatever the world,
Are always whining,
"I shall die like all my friends!
My heart is filled with sorrow."

The kings of the world,
Whatever they're called
Are always wondering,
"If I do the right thing, and I am
A good king, why not be a god?"

The kings of the world,
Whatever their world,
Are always wearily warning,

"I don't think there are true formulas.
Be wary of predictions."

The world of the kings
Whoever the kings,
Is always warmly consoling,
"Take heart! Take heart!
Your cold bones are my clothing."