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 stepped 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!’
By Lord Alfred Tennyson
The Beggar maid’s reply
“A beggar maid to be at your side
will it be right? who am I to say
What good is beauty to me this way
In dirt and grind I live each day
Like iron rusting in salty air
My beauty wastes, soon loose its sheen
As I move from street to street
No respect I get but much abuse
It is not for a king to tell me "Be mine"
I cannot decorate your parlour nice
The kingsmen, servants will look at me with spite
A queen they wish be of noble birth
So great is this gesture of thine
Far and near your name will shine⁸
When most would care to make me a slave
You offer me a place I could not dream
You are my king I will serve you well
Like a jewel my love for you will forever shine
Not for riches not for the powers
For a heart like yours I would give my life
To be with you I could never dream
But for your royal oath, dear King I am bound
So this Beggar maid will now be your queen
J K Roseline
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Mary
inspired many...it became the musical "My fair Lady"...it shines
as a poetic jewel of classic...it has been eternally entrapped
in a painting hanging at the Tate Gallery.
Many know the Lord A. Tennyson poem by heart...after all...it's
about the moment when...spirituality conquers wealth...power
of love transcends the boundaries of social class...It sings
the glory hymn of "social equality"...For better or for worth
my youthful idealization of love...kept the verse in my mind
...too.
Not so uncommon elevation of social status in our contemporary
world...many kings/kings to be...did marry commoner/s...indeed.
But your poem-reply, J.K. provided a refreshing upbeat...twist.
While you've still made a pleasing gain...king's proposal to you
produced great poem...and yes! king's court's expected
to courtesy before you...but you put a twist...that took the other side of the story
with your own perspective...beliefs and...true to your own point
of view...king's proposal seems...beyond earthly quest!
...proved...you're as beautiful as any noble but rather more...headstrong!..
Thank you J.K. for sharing your poem-reply.
Genetically, we are inclined to seek out opposites for genetic strength in the species. However, counselors always suggest selecting someone similar to be a bride to avoid the cultural conflicts that arise between two people of vastly different backgrounds. Still, the children of these marriages tend to be superior in many ways.
Ron
Welcome back Roseline!! I hope your vacation was a good one!
Sandie :o)
Regis