Queen Lizzie had an advisor
and a very special one at that.
A wise old marmalade moggy.
Yes, a common streetwise cat.

She called him Sir Marmaduke
though Knighted he'd never been.
He kept his ears and eyes open
and by courtiers was rarely seen.

He hid beneath her silken skirts
when foreign dignitaries she interviewed
and listened carefully to every word
purring loudly when lies they spewed.

He helped Lizzie with her speeches
to give them the common touch.
She gained popularity with the people
for which she thanked him very much.

He advised her on all Affairs of State
and on her battle plan strategy,
Sir Francis Drake took his timely advice
and fought off the Armada for Her Majesty.

Rumour has it that Sir Marmaduke
is descended from Dick Whittington's cat,
through a long line of wise old moggies
and Marmaduke is very proud of that.

He and Lizzie had one disagreement\
when he left a mouse beneath her bed.
In regal tone she uttered this warning
"Do that again and it's off with your head!"

Queen Lizzie and Sir Marmaduke
became very close loving friends,
and at night when the palace was quiet
they discussed the latest fashion trends.

In old age he kept Lizzie company
sharing her warm bed at night
and together they walked in the gardens
declaring the roses a wonderful sight.

For his faithful service to Queen Lizzie
he was given the keys of the Tower.
Sir Marmaduke gained much respect
for behind the Throne he was the Power.

Jackie S Brooks (c)
18th March 2005