THE KING'S UNEASY CROWN

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

PROLOGUE

Can you remember back to your high school days? Do you remember the famous Shakespearean quote “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”? Perhaps not? Well, here’s a little reminder.

HENRY THE FOURTH, PART 2 ACT 3, SCENE 1, 26-31

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown

King Henry:
Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose
To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude,
And in the calmest and stillest night,
With all appliances and means to boot,
Deny it to a king? Then happy low, lie down!
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

I just love the Shakespearean theatrical writings, more so, now that high school is behind me, of course. This expression 'uneasy lies the head that wears a crown' means that a person with great power, such as a monarch or king, is constantly apprehensive.

In other words, some applicable synonyms might be that of anxiousness, uneasiness or worry over a certain task set before them. So how do these excerpts play out in today’s world of progressive party-politics, of government and within our everyday activities?

Seeing today’s socialistic events play out in today’s social media, I encourage you to come along with me into another fiction parable, that of an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. We shall label this rendering “The King's Uneasy Crown.”

“It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." (Proverbs 16:12-17, 23)

What’s wrong with me? My teaching style seems to be considered outdated in today’s progressive world. Regardless of some feelings, the Old Time Religion is just as applicable today as in yesterday’s world.

Maybe too many people want to wear the new progressive crown. If so, all I can say is go for it, my dear friends. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) Okay, should this older than dirt and twice as gritty, old, worn-out Bible professor go ahead and consider pulling the pen?

Maybe I’ll consider doing it later on. For now, I must concentrate on finishing my dissertation paper. I know, with the needed divine help of providence, I’ll surely see it through to completion.

However, first things first. I’ll just relax a bit. Now, where’s that freshly made vitamin elixir? It always seems to give this old, tired mind a little boost. That’s when it happened; my snoozing brought on another most unusual dream.

I found myself in a faraway land of medieval beauty. Deep green grassy slopes, rolling hillsides, lush-smelling multi-colored flowers were overlooked by a deep blue sky. Sprinkled among the hills were an array of quaint, well-kept cottages. This was surely heaven on earth.

Moving inward, I saw within this old-fashioned kingdom the center of attention, the focal point of it all. There was a medieval castle, graced with the customary water moat. Its well-traveled drawbridge was in operation.

Seemingly by some sort of divinely directed action, I found myself standing inside the big castle, the kingdom's focal point. I was just looking around a bit, really at nothing in particular. The big ornate walls hovering over it all were the main focal point. I thought they would have fallen by now.

Posted within the inner castle vestibule was a most unusual greeting welcoming the new Monarch- King and demanding all kingdom subjects attend said King's first official duty of the Crown Presentation. There was a closing dictate of punishment for non-attendees.

This most prestigious event had been billed by the Kingdom news media as the event of the century. All hoped he would not resort to being a cruel and greedy villain.

However, the gossip throughout the kingdom had already preceded the event. Rumor had it that this newly proclaimed King's first official appearance of accepting the kingdom crown, might be a questionable event, indeed.

The official Kingdom press corps were all seated in the press room, quill and scroll in hand. The visitor gallery was packed beyond recognition. All the kingdom’s subjects anticipated this blessed event.

In the main castle banquet hall, on an elaborate gold trimmed table were many official politically orientated crowns, to be presented to the newly proclaimed King's nobles, earls, and marquis.

They were all trimmed alike, with the one exception being the one crown demonstrating the newly appointed King's authority. It was the one standing alone, overshadowing all the remaining lesser ones. This one bore a gold-plated inscription “King of the World.” It had been made to order at the request of this newly proclaimed King's official assistants.

With a shout of honor from the King's Chief Gallant Squire, accompanied by the trumpet brigade’s official call to order, came the king, staggering a bit as he walked past the press corps balcony.

On the wall, highlighting the coronation was the King's first duty; The unveiling of the highly guarded decree entitled “Order of Dedication.”

This dictate made clear the new King's promises, and his new progressive, socialistic agenda. The likes of it had never been seen before in the halls of this kingdom's castle.

Upon the King's mumbled reading of his new decree, it all seemed to fall apart, instantly causing a major scene of sorts. The press corps were the first of the uprising, followed by the visitor gallery. This reaction, of corresponding yells and vulgar shouts quickly over-powered the coronation ceremony.

However, the commotion was quickly quieted as the press corps were swiftly ejected from the room with orders to never return. This was followed by the emptying of the visitor gallery.

After the sudden outcry was quelled the King's crowning proceeded apace. Approaching the ceremonial crown table, reaching for his “King of the World” crown, the newly proclaimed King began to speak. His speech was unrecognizable and distorted. His unexpected demeanor caused the King to be swiftly escorted out of the room by his official handlers, leaving behind his crown on the table.

Did the newly proclaimed Monarch-King ever get his crown? Did he fulfill his official Decree promises? I don't know for sure, because as usual I woke up before the dream’s conclusion. I have my thoughts as to the answer. I’m sure you have yours. Go ahead. I’d love to hear from you. I’m waiting.

EPILOGUE

How does this fiction-based blog play out in today’s world? With all due respect, please read on.

My fiction world of make-believe writing takes me into many places, many worlds, many individual attempts. Oftentimes it may be creating text that causes something that is not the case to appear true. In doing so, I cross many literary bridges of feelings, attitudes, or intentions. I may even step on a few toes occasionally.

Conversely, sometimes the writing is precisely the opposite, of making a truth seem fictional, kind of like the old adage, “if the shoe fits wear it.” So, in reading my writings you may develop a mental foot bunion or two in the process.

You may label this writing style of mine as giving out a false feeling or attitude to fit one’s lifestyle. If so, so be it. Time marches on.

Kingdoms come; kingdoms go. Kingdoms live and kingdoms die. According to historical accounts, no civilization has lived far beyond 250 years. So, how’s today’s civilization doing? How long will we last?

It seems in today’s culture, life as the Scripture dictates is quickly becoming starker than ever. (II Timothy 3:1-9, 3) (II Timothy 4:3-4) Evil is becoming bolder and more open to perversion. Evil is now considered good and good is seen as evil. (Isaiah 5:20-21)

In conclusion, President Ronald Reagan believed God had a plan for his nation. He wrote, “I have always believed that this anointed land was set apart in an uncommon way, that a divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the earth who had a special love of faith and freedom.” To this I will shout a big AMEN.