A nation, besieged by an enemy force,
was encircled and close to defeat.
The leader of the beleaguered army
wanted to capitulate, hoping for leniency
from the tactically superior general,
who'd beaten him at every turn.

A young, ambitious officer,
looking to stand out from his rivals,
came up with a plan to eliminate
the unbeatable general.
A soldier would surrender to the invaders,
spreading a rumour,
so impressed by the talented general,
the citizenry would **** their monarch
proclaiming him their new leader.

The canard was told to everyone
the captive had contact with.
The soldiers argued,
was the prisoner lying or telling the truth.
It didn't matter anymore,
the seed of sedition was planted.
Other military leaders,
envious of the general's success,
quickly relayed the possible betrayal
to their ruler.

The belligerent king, fearful his sovereignty
might be under threat,
recalled the effective general
under the guise of an update.
On the generals return,
the king had him executed for treason.

In the ensuing uncertainty,
the defenders regrouped,
launching a counter-attack.
The new general, chosen by the king,
less competent than the last,
lost all the territory,
won by the former military leader.
The defending army, now on the offensive,
outmanoeuvred the invading force,
driving the enemy from their dominion.