He must marry for the kingdom, caged by commitment

By order of the king, the fairest maidens were summoned, 

A royal ball was called,

Tonight he must choose.

But one beauty has arrived, one so gorgeous the prince was impressed

HE stood behind a girl in a dazzling dress

But caged by commitment, the prince felt he could not reveal

The heart stirring pang, he fought desperately to feel

A fatherly glance pushed him,

to take a step for his kingdom

to walk to the girl in the dress

to look longingly over her shoulder

at the man sweeping ashes

in front of a pumpkin carriage

How could he be true?

How could he resist?

Caged by commitment, his kingdom lay in the balance

the prince asked for a moment

and took his leave on balcony high

conflicted and broken, the prince wept

for lost love, for lost hope

but who should come to comfort

but the man sweeping ashes

his hands were black, but his eyes were soft

in low voice he comforted the prince

in soft touch he provided

in parting kiss, shared what they could never have.

MAY I ANNOUNCE

THE WEDDING

OF PRINCE CHARMING 

AND THE LOVELY LADY CINDERELLA