The Beggar Maid

Her arms across her breast she laid;

      She was more fair than words can say:

Bare-footed came the beggar maid

      Before the king Cophetua.

In robe and crown the king stept down,

      To meet and greet her on her way:

"It is no wonder," said the lords,

      "She is more beautiful than day."

As shines the moon in clouded skies,

      She in her poor attire was seen:

One praised her ancles, one her eyes,

      One her dark hair and lovesome mien.

So sweet a face, such angel grace,

      In all that land had never been:

Cophetua sware a royal oath:

      "This beggar maid shall be my queen!"