The Kingcraft of Love.
A king would try His servants on a day1
And, none suspecting, in the street was seen2
A mendicant of most unroyal mien,3
Who with no empty wallet passed away.4
One, offering all he had, went poor for Him
;5
One gave Him silver, though he carried gold ;6
One gave Him a godspeed ; and one was bold7
To throw Him coins debased and clipped of rim.8
But when the king returned in robe and crown,9
He that went poor was only poor a day,10
But whoso stinted Him, or said Him nay,11
He entered knight, but left the presence clown.12
Love leaves his court to look for lovers true,13
And, masked himself, unmasks his retinue.14