Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RICHEST PRINCE, by ANDREAS KERNER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RICHEST PRINCE, by                    
First Line: All their wealth and vast possessions
Last Line: "thou art wealthier far than we!"
Subject(s): Contentment; Courts & Courtiers; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


ALL their wealth and vast possessions
Vaunting high in choicest terms,
Sat the German princes feasting
In the knightly hall of Worms.

"Mighty," cried the Saxon ruler,
"Are the wealth and power I wield:
In my country's mountain gorges
Sparkling silver lies concealed."

"See my land with plenty glowing,"
Quoth the Palsgrave of the Rhine;
"Beauteous harvests in the valleys,
On the mountains noble wine."

"Spacious towns and wealthy convents,"
Lewis spake, Bavaria's lord,
"Make my land to yield me treasures
Great as those your fields afford."

Würtemberg's belovéd monarch,
Eberhard the Bearded, cried:
"See, my land hath little cities,
'Mong my hills no metals bide;

"Yet one treasure it hath borne me, —
Sleeping in the woodland free,
I may lay my head in safety
On my lowliest vassal's knee."

Then, as with a single utterance,
Cried aloud those princes three:
"Bearded count, thy land hath jewels!
Thou art wealthier far than we!"





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