THE SHERIFF OF SAUMUR; A LEGEND by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

ONCE, when the King was traveling through
His realm, as kings were wont to do
In ancient times when royalty
Was deemed a goodly sight to see,
It chanced the Sheriff of Saumur,
A city in the royal tour,
Was chosen by the magistrates
To meet the monarch at the gates,
And in a handsome speech declare
How glad and proud the people were
To see his Majesty; and say
Such compliments as subjects pay,
As being but the proper thing,
On such occasions, to the King.
"Sire," said the Sheriff (so the speech
Began, of course), "Sire, we beseech
Your gracious Majesty to hear
The humble words of hearty cheer
With which, great Sire, with which, through me,
The people greet your Majesty.
We are so glad to see you, Sire,
That -- that" -- And here the speech hung fire.
"So glad -- the people of our town --
That -- that" -- And here the man broke down.
Whereat a courtier said, "I'm sure
These worthy people of Saumur
Are glad, my liege, to see you here;
That seems to me extremely clear;
And don't his Honor's speech confess it?
So glad, indeed, they can't express it."

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