An Arthurian Miscellany

The King was in the parlor, counting out his money: The Queen was in the kitchen, eating bread and honey: The Maid was in the garden, hanging out the clothes: There came a little Blackbird and snipp'd off her nose. Lot, King of Orkney in the Northern seas, Long ere the time when, fighting sword in hand 'Gainst Arthur in the barons' wars he made His name to all true men a byword like A thing of scorn, one summer morning sat Within the presence chamber all alone, For knights and squires that made his island court, (A tiny court rul'd by a weakling king,) Were absent at the hunting every one. Far better had it suited with his mood To ride with them in gay companionship Than to have stay'd behind.But on that day The butcher, baker, chandler, and the host That prosper'd on the waste and riot made At court, their bills had brought and, clam'ring, begg'd Their dues.As one who from his window sees In early morning blue and cloudless skies, And o'er him feels the breezes blowing soft, While in his heart is peace, but later finds The breezes risen to a gale, and dull, Grey clouds fast shutting out the sun and sky And in his bosom discontent is lord; So was it with King Lot when from his chair, After the morning meal which Bellicent, His Queen, had with her maids prepar'd for him-- Since well she knew what meats would please him best-- He fain had had risen purpose-mov'd to pass Without, but, rising, heard a dismal noise And saw the door burst open while a throng Of angry debtors clos'd him round about. Shrill rang their voices 'mong the rafters high O'erhead, and scarce the King could headway make Against their loud-voic'd clamor, but at length, When they had tir'd themselves with shriekings shrill, He spake again and all attent they heard. "Peace, fools, and leave me time to overlook Your bills.This done, to-morrow at this hour The seneschal shall see that all are paid."