1833-1898
, Aesthetic painter, illustrator, designer and tapestry designer
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
1883
290 x 136 cms | 114 x 53 1/2 ins
Oil on canvas
London | United Kingdom
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
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by Lord Alfred Tennyson
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!'