But a mighty king am I;
Bold vassals do my bidding,
And on mine errands hie.

"They come to court and castle,
They climb the palace stairs;
Nor pope nor king may entrance bar
To him my livery wears."

"But why should a king so mighty
Pay court to a simple maid?
My father's a knight of low degree,
No princely realm he holds in fee,
No proud-foot damsels wait on me:
Thy steps have surely strayed."

"No step of mine hath wandered
From the goal of my desires;
'Tis on thee my hopes are centred,
'Tis to thee my heart aspires.

"I love thee for thy beauty,
I love thee for thy grace,
I love thee for the dancing lights
That gleam in thy moon-lit face:
And these I deem a peerless dower
To win a king's embrace."

"One boon, O royal lover,
I ask on St Agnes Day;