A king and queen had just one son
And other children had they none.
     Their son, their most beloved boy,
     Brought both of them abundant joy.

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He grew up happy in their court,
But in his teens some troubles brought,
     For Charming - yes, that was his name -
     Brought to this royal pair some shame.

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Gambling, women, drugs and drink -
"Oh goodness!!  What must people think?"
       Cried out the queen in deepest dread.
       "The solution is to get him wed."

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His father said: "He needs a wife 
To have a firm hand on his life.
      'And think," he added with a grin -
      "We’d likely get more *kith and kin."

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They summoned Charming from his bed:
"It’s noon!  Get up and quickly fed."
      At 3 pm he stood alone,
      Summoned to the royal throne.

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"It’s time, my lad, for things to change.
There’s something that we must arrange:
      It’s time for you to find a bride -
      A wife to share your life with pride."

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"But I am happy," Charming said.
The thought of marriage caused him dread.
      Lots of girlfriends brought him fun 
      So why be tied to only one?

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His father, with a solemn voice,
Said: 'Look here lad, you have no choice:
     We’ve brought you up and it is fair
      That you provide a future heir.'

​

His mother, with her sweetest smile
Said: "Find a girl who has some style."
      "A royal princess with some breeding,"
       Added Dad with little heeding.

​

"Let’s hold a ball, invite some guests -
And you can choose who you like best."
     But Charming thought of all he’d lose 
     And didn’t really want to choose. 

​

 

* kith and kin: relations, ie grandchildren in

this case.                                                                     

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