Edward Burne-Jones and Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The Beggar Maid

[Written 1833, published 1842.  Page created for English 465 by Rose Bartlett and Glenn Everett.  Note:  this painting by Edward Burne-Jones was inspired by Tennyson's poem.]

    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!'

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