The Beggar Maid

Alfred Lord Tennyson

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!

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