A KING there was in Thule, Kept troth unto the grave; The maid he loved so truly A goblet to him gave. And ever set before him At banquet was the cup; And saddening thoughts came o'er him, Whene'er he took it up. When Death with him had spoken, His treasures ranged he there, And all, save one dear token, He gifted to his heir. Once more to royal wassail His peers he summon'd all; Around were knight and vassal Throng'd in his father's hall. Then rose the grand old Rover, Again the cup drain'd he, And bravely flung it over Into the welt'ring sea. He saw it flashing, falling, And settling in the main, Heard Death unto him calling -- He never drank again! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LESSER EPISTLES: TO A YOUNG LADY WITH SOME LAMPREYS by JOHN GAY GRASS FINGERS by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE BRIDAL BALLAD by EDGAR ALLAN POE TO SHELLEY by JOHN BANISTER TABB IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 96 by ALFRED TENNYSON |