Good sir, I now present myself before you. With velvet robes and lilies in my hair, My ladies do their best with what they're given, And I only pray that you will find me fair.
I ask you leave a penny for the bargeman And one in penance for the hearts you break. And keep these words forever as reminder Of what sends a dying lily to the lake.
Dear Lancelot, my sorrow clad in silver, You see my thoughts return to you again. You came to me as others come a-courting But nothing is with you as other men.
I ask you leave a penny for the sermon And another for the errors that you make. And keep these words forever as reminder of what sends a dying lily to the lake.
With trembling hands I held your life inside you But failed to earn your favour for my own. Your coppers were an empty consolation, For my needs are met by you, and you alone.
I ask you leave a penny for the water And another for the liberties you take. And keep these words forever as reminder of what sends a dying lily to the lake.