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

Please keep these words my love as a reminder