The Emperor's Lament

I carried continents - even upon my sinews - saved the lives of the many from the tyranny of famished minds, spread so many souls across the vast expanse, and yet they jail their liberator! The loyalty of comrades costs less dear than hope expects, and the jingling handfuls, the clinks and glare, of gold has a strength all its own – but no! The weak harbor a species of lust, a lust for golden mediocrity, and they conspire so, that they may betray themselves and all their lives to couple with glittering clods. Who among them shall reign, I wonder.