King David

Text by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856)

Translated into English by Joseph Massaad 

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It is with a smile that the despot goes,
It’s because, after his death, he knows
That despotism only changes hand,
And that slavery will have no end.

Poor people! Like the horse and the cow
You remain harnessed and must bow,
And he who did not adapt to the yoke,
Is the very one whose neck broke.

About the time he was ready to go
King Solomon said to David: It’s à propos
That to you, I should recommend,
Joab, one of the generals of my command.

For me, this tough general,
Since years was very fatal,
Yet, this hated one, not one day,
Did I dare to hurt, in any way.

You, my son, are pious and clever,
God fearing and as strong as ever
And you should succeed, without fail,
To get rid of this Joab and of his trail.