Treasure Poem by Jan Struther

She said, 'I have no need for treasure,
For brooches and for jewelled rings.'
Proudly she said, 'I take my pleasure
In truer, kindlier things.'
She said, 'I have a dear lover,
And at my breast I have his child.
I have a rose-red roof to cover
My head when the wind's wild.
'I have a garden full of flowers,
A kitchen gay with blue and white,
A little clock to chime the hours,
A tranquil bed at night.'
I showed her pearls as pale as mist,
I showed her rubies red as fire,
And emerald and amethyst
To slake a queen's desire.
She said, 'I have no need for treasure;
In humbler things my comfort lies.'
And there was none save me to measure
The longing in her eyes.