“Outside the gate, what do I hear
Along the drawbridge sounding?
A song! Now let it reach my ear
Through palace-halls resounding!”
So speaks the king; the small page flies;
The lackey comes; the message hies;
The old man comes, low bowing.

“These noble lords have welcomed me;
These fair dames give me greeting.
What heavenly kingdom do I see
With star-gleam, star-gleam meeting!
Such splendor, pomp, and wealth allied,
Desire must here rest satisfied,
While Time forgets his speeding!”

He pauses now; now strikes in song
Full toned, of pleasing phrases.
Each knight grows proud in look, and strong;
Dames blush at fancied praises.
The king, for whom the songs awake,
As fair return the bard to make—
A golden chain upraises.

“Oh give to me no gift of gold!
Such to your knights deliver,
Before whose faces, stern and bold,
The foe’s best lances shiver.
Or let some chancellor of state
This gift receive, a treasure mete,
Fit token from wise giver.

“I sing as some free wild bird sings,
Among green branches swinging.
The song that from the throat outrings
Its own reward is bringing.
But may I beg a gift of thine?
Then give to me of rare old wine
In golden beaker, brimming.”

They bring it in; he drinks it up.
“O drink—sweet, strength-bestowing!
O happy house—where one may sup
With such wealth ever flowing!
Thank God—you share with me a part!
It stirs my brain; it warms my heart!
I go with new life glowing.”