I am no king, and I am no lord,And I am no soldier at-arms, said he.I'm none but a harper, and a very poor harper,That am come hither to wed with ye.If you were a lord, you should be my lord,And the same if you were a thief, said she.And if you are a harper, you shall be my harper,For it makes no matter to me, to me,For it makes no matter to me.But what if it prove that I am no harper?That I lied for your love most monstrously?Why, then I'll teach you to play and sing,For I dearly love a good harp, said she.
In "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle, a humble harper expresses his unworthiness, stating that he is neither a king, lord, nor soldier, but simply a poor musician seeking to marry his beloved. His admission highlights his humility and lack of pretense, revealing a deep sincerity in his feelings for her.
The woman responds with affection and openness, showing that her love does not depend on his social status or talents. She reassures him that even if he were to deceive her about his identity, she would still embrace him, expressing her willingness to learn music together. This exchange emphasizes the themes of love, acceptance, and the idea that true connection transcends social hierarchies.
