Emily Dickinson

I met a King this afternoon!

166 I met a King this afternoon! He had not on a Crown indeed, A little Palmleaf Hat was all, And he was barefoot, I'm afraid! But sure I am he Ermine wore Beneath 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 sovereigns ever took! I question if the Royal Coach Round which the Footmen wait Has the significance, on high, Of this Barefoot Estate!