RINGMASTER
In the spring of ninety-two
The Austrians and the Prussians too
Crossed the line
The war had come
The people went to see the King
Reluctantly he let them in

RINGMASTER & CHORUS
And over tea they said that
He must choose one hat

RINGMASTER
A crown in Koblenz with his friends
Or if he chose to make amends
He might adopt

CHORUS
He might adopt

RINGMASTER & CHORUS
Their scarlet bonnet

RINGMASTER
Surprise, surprise, when left to choose
Too late he chose "The Bonnet Rouge"