She said, 'I have no need for treasure,
For brooches and for jewelled rings.'
Proudly she said, 'I take my pleasure
In truer, kindlier things.'
She said, 'I have a dear lover,
And at my breast I have his child.
I have a rose-red roof to cover
My head when the wind's wild.
'I have a garden full of flowers,
A kitchen gay with blue and white,
A little clock to chime the hours,
A tranquil bed at night.'
I showed her pearls as pale as mist,
I showed her rubies red as fire,
And emerald and amethyst
To slake a queen's desire.
She said, 'I have no need for treasure;
In humbler things my comfort lies.'
And there was none save me to measure
The longing in her eyes.