And into the royal presence,
Trembling, the young lad came,
Wasted, and wan, and pallid,
Feebly dragging his chain.
“Who art thou?” the King demanded,
Marveling at the sight;
“Whence dost thou come, and wherefore,
And why in this woeful plight?”
Then the youth made timid answer—
“O my gracious lord the King,