Queen of queens, oh lady mine,
You who say you love me,
Here's a cup of crimson wine
To the stars above me;
Here's a cup of blood and gall
For a soldier's quaffing!
What's the prize to crown it all?
Death? I'll take it laughing!
I ride for the Queen to-night!
Though I find no knightly fee
Waiting on my lealty,
High upon the gallows-tree
Faithful to my fealty,
What had I but love and youth,
Hope and fame in season?
She has proved that more than truth
Glorifies her treason!
Would that other do as much?
Ah, but if in sorrow
Some forgotten look or touch
Pierce her heart to-morrow
She might love me yet, I think;
So her lie befriends me,
Though I know there's darker drink
Down the road she sends me.
Ay, one more great chance is mine
(Can I faint or falter?)
She shall pour my blood like wine,
Make my heart her altar,
Burn it to the dust! For, there,
What if o'er the embers
She should stoop and--I should hear--
"_Hush! Thy love remembers!_"
One more chance for every word
Whispered to betray me,
While she buckled on my sword
Smiling to allay me;
One more chance; ah, let me not
Mar her perfect pleasure;
Love shall pay me, jot by jot,
Measure for her measure.
Faith shall think I never knew,
I will be so fervent!
Doubt shall dream I dreamed her true
As her war-worn servant!
Whoso flouts her spotless name
(Love, I wear thy token!)
He shall face one sword of flame
Ere the lie be spoken!
All the world's a-foam with may,
(Fragrant as her bosom!)
Could I find a sweeter way
Through the year's young blossom,
Where her warm red mouth on mine
Woke my soul's desire?...
Hey! The cup of crimson wine,
Blood and gall and fire!
Castle Doom or Gates of Death?
(Smile again for pity!)
"Boot and horse," my lady saith,
"Spur against the City,
Bear this message!" God and she
Still forget the guerdon;
Nay, the rope is on the tree!
That shall bear the burden!
I ride for the Queen to-night!
