ONE came to me in royal guise br With banners flying fair and free br But many griefs had made me wise br And I refused to bow the knee. br br Then one drew near who bore the flower br Of all the flowers of June and May; br But many griefs had lent me power br And I was strong to turn away. br br Then came a beggar to my gate br With shoulders bowed to sorrow's pack, br So weary and so desolate br I had no heart to turn him back. br br I let him share my board, my bed, br I warmed him in my shrinking breast, br I gave him all I had, and said: br 'You, only you, have been my guest. br br 'Love passed in many a fair disguise br But never could an entrance win, br But you came in such piteous wise, br Poor friend, I could but let you in.' br br Low laughed my guest: 'Kind friend!' said he, br And dropped the rags he was weary of; br And I, betrayed, saw over me br The terrible face of outraged Love.