The Purpose of a Guardsman

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.