A Castle Or A King Lyrics

With the table set before him and the pieces on the board,
The Sultan bade his rival to the tent
And said, "While both our armies are poised to cross their swords,
Why don't we settle this like peaceful men?"

"For what will profit Allah if a thousand soldiers die?
And what will profit either you or I?
And, if your creed gives you the truer thoughts, then I suggest
We stake our kingdoms on a game of chess."

The logic of his challenge was not easy to escape.
The Sultan's rival cast away his cape
And took his seat before the board, his empire was to rest
On the outcome of a single game of chess.

The oil lamp flickered wildly as they played into the night.
The Sultan's rival took the Sultan's knight.
And word spread like a desert wind amongst the men outside
Of the game on which their destinies would ride.

The same applies if you're a bishop or a pawn
When called upon to change the clothes you've worn.
The same applies if you're a castle or a king
When all you have to lose is everything.

Some placed bets at odds of two to one and others wept.
Others kissed their swords goodnight and slept.
The camels and the horses would have argued, if they could,
Which outcome had the greater likelihood.

The Sultan took his time, he seemed so calm and so serene.
The Sultan's rival took the Sultan's queen.
The soldiers said they'd rather fight the war for which they came
Than play this oh so cruel waiting game.

The odds had risen sharply on an imminent defeat,
The Sultan's strategy was almost beat.
The grinning challenger a mere two moves away from mate,
When the Sultan raised his palm and told him, "Wait!"

"I hear the hooves of loyal reinforcements from Baghdad.
Did you think this sorry crew was all I had?
This game of chess in which I played for time was a pretence
But, now my army's here, let war commence!"

The same applies if you're a bishop or a pawn
When called upon to change the clothes you've worn.
The same applies if you're a castle or a king
When all you have to lose is everything.