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The Iron Hand

With all the clarity of dream

the sky so blue, the grass so green

the rank and file and the navy blue

the deep and strong, the straight and true

 

The blue line they got the given sign

the belts and boot march forward in time

the wood and leather the club and shield

swept like a wave across the battlefield

 

Now with all the clarity of dream

the blood so red, the grass so green

the gleam of spur on chestnut flank

the cavalry did burst upon the ranks

 

Oh the iron will and the iron hand

in england’s green and pleasant land

no music for the shameful scene

that night they said it had even shocked the queen

 

Well alas we’ve seen it all before

knights in armor, days of yore

the same old fears and the same old crimes

we haven’t changed since ancient times.

 

mark knopfler -

from the album

– on every street

 

***

 

All visitors to the State Apartments at Windsor Castle ascend a magnificent staircase in the Grand Vestibule from Heads of State attending a State Banquet to visitors.

 

The two diminutive suits of armour on either side of the stairs were made for James I’s son Henry, Prince of Wales (1594-1612) when he was approximately 14 years old. Henry, elder brother of Charles I, had a particular love of chivalry. The second suit was a gift from the King of France in 1607.

 

 

In the Grand Vestibule of Windsor Castle.

 

 

Windsor Castle

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Uploaded on October 7, 2011
Taken on June 11, 2008