Here we have an historical example of a political refrain.
King Nitwiticus of Southumbria was on the move again,
His retinue and entourage numbered in the hundreds,
Plus many many more camp-follower dunder heads.
These followers indulged in subterfuge and stealth,
Living off the land, depriving it of wealth.
King Nitwiticus was making a very slow advance.
Was he touring his kingdom, for things to enhance?
Regrettably this was not the case, as it seldom is.
All that pomp and ceremony is just a wasted fizz!

The Earl of Aspic was cleaning up his castle.
Whilst Lady Aspic was wrapping up a parcel.
An extravagant gift for that stupid king.
Ready to be a sycophant, praises there to sing.
There it was! The trumpets blare!
It must be that the king was there.
What an honour, all that might!
“I wonder if he’ll stay the night?”
Of course he will, they always do!
They, themselves, plus their motley crew.
Eating humble Earls, out of house and home,
All gobbling away at stores, until there would be none!

The Earl of Aspic was kow-towing to the king.
Whilst Lady Aspic, the King’s praises did sing.
Effusive praise from one and all,
The Earl’s retainers to their knees did fall.
The Duke of Cork came to pay his respects,
“We are your loyal vassals, sire, despite our defects.”
The Earl of Aspic grumbled, “Oh, bother, more mouths to feed,”
“This arrival is a damn nuisance we do not need.”

At long last, and not before time,
King Nitwiticus prepared to leave all this slime.
He was off to his castle in Dumbarton,
His knights all assembled in their best tartan.
His entourage, now even more large,
Was off, and through villages did rudely barge.
The king’s knights, ready to dart into any fray,
Whilst the beautiful draught horses did fart into the dray.
Yes, the dray that carried chattels and supplies,
All covered over, to avoid damage from flies.

The Earl of Aspic gave a huge sigh of relief.
That tumultuous crowd gone, and the back of his chief!
During the most prolonged royal stay,
He had even considered regicide, to achieve this way.
Yes, to rid himself of this troublesome king,
Who, to Aspic, did so much work and expense bring.
Fortunately, it did not come to that,
And now King Nitwiticus was, at last, on his way!
The Earl of Aspic wished he’d stay right away!