THE PRINCE'S
BEDTIME

In a castle not too far,
Underneath a twinkling star,
Lived a Prince, small and spry,
Who simply would not close an eye.

 

The Queen said, “Please!" the King said, "Bed!"
The Prince just shook his tiny head.

“I won't, I can't, I shall not sleep!
I've castles to build, dragons to keep!”

 

The King looked out, then sighed and said,
“Someone get this head to bed."

 

So off the King sent the Page,
Young and wise beyond his age.

“Please oh please Page, go ahead, 

Into bed help get that head.”

 

–

 

"Perhaps," thought the Page, "a scent so sweet,

Might guide the Prince right off to sleep.”

So first to garden’s moonlit glow,
Where flowers bloom and cool winds blow.

 

But the Prince, while sniffing, said with glee,
"These flowers are nice, but not for me.
I’ve told you I won’t go to bed.

I think I’ll make a den instead.”

 

–

 

Next, the Page sought music soothing,
And so to bees, he started moving,
"Their buzzing hum, so soft and deep,
Might sing our Prince right off to sleep."

 

The Prince, though charmed, said “Don’t you see
"I like their tune, but not for me.
This night is perfect time for play.

Much more magic tonight than day”

 

–

 

So a wise, old owl the Page then sought,
Perched up high, deep in thought.
"Owl please, with eyes so bright,
Can you help our Prince to say goodnight?"

 

"Who," said the Owl, "who indeed?
A calming deed is what they need.
Read them tales of knights so brave,
Adventures grand, then rest they’ll crave."

 

Book in hand, the Page returned,
And candles then he gently burned.
He read of dragons, quests so bold,
And the Prince’s yawns grew uncontrolled.

 

"Your stories now have filled my head,
So tired now, I’ll go to bed.
My den can wait for light of day,
For now, in dreams, I'll sail away."

 

—

 

The King hugged the Page and loudly bellowed

“By Jove! You did it! Wonderful fellow!’

 

The castle then slept sound that night,
The Prince’s room, a slumberous sight.

 

And all tucked up in a royal bed,

Grand dreams filled a royal head.