The Poems of Emily Dickinson, Variorum Edition, Franklin, 1998
Emily Dickinson Archive
I met a King this Afternoon!He had not on a Crown indeed - A little Palm leaf Hat was all, And he was barefoot, I'm afraid! But sure I am he Ermine woreBeneath his faded Jacket's blue - And sure I am, the crest he bore Within that Jacket's pocket too! For 'twas too stately for an Earl - A Marquis would not go so grand!'Twas possibly a Czar petite - A Pope, or something of that kind! If I must tell you, of a Horse My freckled Monarch held the rein - Doubtless, an estimable Beast,But not at all disposed to run!And such a wagon! While I live Dare I presume to see Another such a vehicle As then transported me!Two other ragged Princes His royal state partook! Doubtless the first excursion These sovreigns ever took! I question if the Royal CoachRound which the Footmen wait Has the significance, on high, Of this Barefoot Estate!