English poem
Vi
by Marie Van Vorst (1867–1936)
And the king smiled as one in kindly wise Surprising a dear secret. “Friend,” (he said,) “Fear not to say thy ladye’s lips are red And her eyes heaven! We demand the truth From a brave knight, who knows not how to lie! He shall wed but perfection, by God’s Ruth, Whose voice cried,--‘I, and not the king, shall die!’”