If I Were King (McCarthy novel, R. H. Russell)

Justin Huntly McCarthy (1860–1936)

"Alas for lovers! Pair by pairThe Wind has blown them all away;The young and yare, the fond and fair;Where are the Snows of Yesterday?"

If I were king—ah love, if I were king!What tributary nations would I bringTo stoop before your sceptre and to swearAllegiance to your lips and eyes and hair.Beneath your feet what treasures I would fling:—The stars should be your pearls upon a string,The world a ruby for your finger ring,And you should have the sun and moon to wearIf I were king.

Let these wild dreams and wilder words take wing,Deep in the woods I hear a shepherd singA simple ballad to a sylvan air,Of love that ever finds your face more fair.I could not give you any godlier thingIf I were king.