A KNIGHT right bold rode over the wold, <br /> Saluted maidens three: <br />'Now, if each possess'd what she liked best, <br /> What would her portion be?' <br /> <br />The eldest replied: 'A carriage of pride, <br /> And milkwhite steeds so fine, <br />With a prince of renown to claim as my own, <br /> And rapture unpeered were mine.' <br /> <br />The second replied: 'For no carriage of pride, <br /> Nor milkwhite steeds, I yearn; <br />But to move in the ball, the envy of all, <br /> And laugh the gallants to scorn.' <br /> <br />The youngest she sighed, and shyly replied: <br /> 'The sole, sole wish of my breast, <br />Is to merit the hand of the best in the land, <br /> And serve my husband the best.' <br /> <br />Now alights from his steed the knight, and with <br /> speed <br /> He takes the shy maid by the hand;— <br />They mount and they ride—she's now the King's <br /> bride, <br /> And Queen of all the land.<br /><br />Joseph Skipsey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-three-maidens-2/
