Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BEGGAR MAID [AND KING COPHETUA], by ALFRED TENNYSON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BEGGAR MAID [AND KING COPHETUA], by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Her arms across her breast she laid
Last Line: This beggar maid shall be my queen!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron
Subject(s): Begging & Beggars


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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