I met a King this afternoon!
He had not on a Crown indeed,
A little Palmleaf Hat was all,
And he was barefoot, I'm afraid!
But sure I am he Ermine wore
Beneath his faded Jacket's blue --
And sure I am, the crest1 he bore
Within that Jacket's pocket too!
For 'twas too stately for an Earl --
A Marquis would not go so grand!
'Twas possibly a Czar petite --
A Pope, or something of that kind!
If I must tell you, of a Horse
My freckled2 Monarch3 held the rein4 --
Doubtless an estimable Beast,
But not at all disposed to run!
And such a wagon5! While I live
Dare I presume to see
Another such a vehicle
As then transported me!
Two other ragged6 Princes
His royal state partook!
Doubtless the first excursion
These sovereigns ever took!
I question if the Royal Coach
Round which the Footmen wait
Has the significance, on high,
Of this Barefoot Estate!