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