He grasped her bridle-rein.
Then clattered courtiers thro' the street,
Fast ran the folk, I ween,
And under feet strewed roses sweet,
And boughs of apple-green.
The emperor, on his gold-shod horse,
Came pacing thro' the town,
And by his side his timid bride
Rode in her tattered gown.
A crocus-broidered petticoat,