[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"