Dinah Maria Mulock Craik - Coeur de Lion I lyrics

Richard the Lion-hearted, crowned serene With the true royalty of perfect man; Seated in stone above the praise or ban Of these mixed crowds who come gaping lean As if to see what the word "king" might mean In those old times. Behold! what need that rim Of crown 'gainst this blue sky, to signal him A monarch, of the monarchs that have been, And, perhaps, are not?--Read his destinies In the full brow o'er-arching kingly eyes, In the strong hands, grasping both rein and sword, In the close mouth, so sternly beautiful:-- Surely, a man who his own spirit can rule; Lord of himself, therefore his brethren's lord.