The Beggar Maid

Her arms across her breast she laid;

She was more fair than words can say;

Barefooted 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 ankles, 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!'