I’ve played this game ten-thousand boards;
The lines are always by the book.
Advance with caution he affords,
This foe’s deceitful in his look.

I’ve played this game ten-thousand boards;
Defensively, I’ve set my plan,
But opposition rushed the hordes
To blast the stratagems of man.

I’ve played this game ten-thousand boards;
I’ve lost them all, and hate the game.
The peasants chained to fight the lords,
But ev’ry outcome is the same.

I know this game; my chance is nil,
There is no glory should I stay.
My choice is clear, and so I will
Refuse their summon to the play.