Playing Scales

In the music room George plays his Lear

as a poor, demented soul.

Unhappy, porphyric George puts on his armour,

it's hard to imagine these shiny scales

covering an Indian beast.

Benighted, cataracted George peers through the window,

it's hard to imagine those tiny ants

comprising a Pangolin feast.

Be-armoured, invisible George speaks to his father,

it's hard to imagine this whining man

controlling an Imperial East.

At the piano George plays the scales

of a deaf and blind man.

Footnote

The 1^st Marquis of Hastings, whilst Governor General of India, sent George
III a coat of armour made from Pangolin scales in 1820. It's possible
George received it before his death. The armour is on display in the
Leeds Armoury. Since George is King -at least in name- his father is, of course, dead.