What is a guardsman's life to be,
What is his lot intended?
To die with knowledge that he has
Another's life defended.
This hardship many guardsmen feel
Despite their honest loy'lty.
They wish their life had other plans
Besides 'to die for Roy'lty'.
Such men, unlucky wretches all,
They love not guardsman's duty.
While I not death but glory see
In my fair Prince's beauty.
While I to him can nothing be
In life, a humble guardsman
Might earn one gentle glance in death,
And that is worth a lifespan.
