The Court of Kings

The Court of Kings is a place of power.
And those who play must execute their moves
Well, or be well executed themselves.
Dodging the swaying vines and ill flowers
   Of deceit through this garden-politic
   Keeps one agile, (since the slow become dead).
   But though there are many who play this dread
   Game with spoiling hearts, there are delicate 
Numbers whose skill and doing are both clean 
And good. Here, the power of a pure heart 
And a conscientious mind may yet part
This company and do good work and seem
   Like Medicine thriving in a snake pit.
   Aid them well in this task. Think well on it.