Fable

The king came down each night
to walk the town.
His crown lay heavy.

 He walked alone,
always from dusk to dawn
when streets were empty. 

Except, that is, for dogs.
Dogs were aplenty. 
He thought of them as friends.

 Then one dog growled at the king
and he took offense,
so had each and every dog killed.

 The king still walks the town,
but he has no friends.
The streets are silent and empty.

 His crown lies heavy.