Alfred Lord Tennyson: The Beggar Maid (a poem)

Edward Burne-Jones: (1833–1898): King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid. Painting. 1884. Oil on canvas. 293.4 cm (115.5 in); 135.9 cm (53.5 in). Tate Britain. Photo source: Google Art Project. From: Wikimedia Commons.

Alfred Lord Tennyson
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 stept down,
   To meet and greet her on her way;
“It is no wonder,” said the lords,
   “She is more beautiful than day.”

And shines the moon in clouded skies,
   She in 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:
   “That beggar maid shall be my queen!”

Written in 1833.
Published in 1842.