John Byam Liston Shaw

British, 1872 - 1919

King Cophetua and the Beggar-Maid

Date: 1911

An illustration for the old English ballad "King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid":

"For thou," quoth he, "shalt be my wife,
And honoured for my queen;
With thee I mean to lead my life,
As shortly shall be seen:
Our wedding shall appointed be,
And everything in its degree:
Come on," quoth he, "and follow me,
Thou shalt go shift thee clean.
What is thy name, fair maid?" quoth he.
"Penelophon, O King," quoth she;
With that she made a low courtsey;
A trim one as I ween.

« Learn more about John Byam Liston Shaw
« View Slideshow