Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE BEGGAR MAID [AND KING COPHETUA] by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HER ARMS ACROSS HER BREAST SHE LAID
Last Line: THIS BEGGAR MAID SHALL BE MY QUEEN!'
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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