The Unprepared King

He had never fought in battle,
And had distain for those who had.
Yet he had charm and was articulate.
He spoke well to the crowds,
Well versed in all the latest
Theories and interpretations
Put forth by the learned
Scholars and professors, who themselves
Had never felt the sting of war.
And when he spoke, his words
Excited those who heard
What they wanted to hear.
Even those supposed to be aloof
And above such motivations
Gave him undisguised support.
So through his charms, he won
The kingdom over. And the wise
Old men who questioned
His lack of qualifications
Were shouted down and maligned
For daring to suggest
A closer look before the coronation.
He took the sword of state to rousing cheers,
For he had promised much,
And now it was time to deliver.
Triumphant in his hubris,
He rode out to the sea shore,
Where he stood before the crashing waves,
Commanding the tide to go out,
Obedient to his word.
But waves and tides care not
For kings or lofty rhetoric,
And stubbornly refused to do
Any more than was their nature.
Beholding this, the paynim foes
Tested his resolve and found it
Wanting; the sword in an uncertain hand,
Striking at shadows of empty air.
The people, still singing his praises,
Were consumed by dragons, who
Finding him ineffectual,
Simply bypassed him, and his flowery speech.
For words accomplish nothing
When they are not backed by strength.
And he who had never been tried,
Nor fought a real fight;
Never faced the real consequences
Of losing to a genuine foe,
Was not up to the task.

But everyone agreed he looked just smashing in the armor.