Alfred 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.”

And shines the moon in clouded skies,
   She in 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:
   “That beggar maid shall be my queen!”