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 swore a royal oath:

"This beggar maid shall be my queen."

Alfred Tennyson