Poems (Dorr)/Gifts for the King
GIFTS FOR THE KING
(H. W. L., February 27th)
What good gifts can we bring to thee, O King, O royal poet, on this day of days? No golden crown, for thou art crowned with bays;No jewelled sceptre, and no signet ring,O'er distant realms far-flashing rays to fling; For well we know thy beckoning finger sways A mightier empire, and the world obeys.No lute, for thou hast only need to sing;No rare perfumes, for thy pure life makes sweet The air about thee, even as when the roseSwings its bright censer down the garden-path.Love drops its fragrant lilies at thy feet; Fame breathes thy name to each sweet wind that blows.What can we bring to him who all things hath?