Poems; original and translated by Charles Rann Kennedy ... and Two Poems by the Rev. Rann Kennedy. New Edition. By Charles Rann Kennedy |
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THE DANCING CHILD. |
 | Poems; original and translated |  |
34
THE DANCING CHILD.
Her step is like the gossamer
That floats on summer's breast,
When not a leaf is seen to stir,
And winds are lull'd to rest.
That floats on summer's breast,
When not a leaf is seen to stir,
And winds are lull'd to rest.
Her step is like the silver wave
That curls upon the deep,
When Ocean in his stilly cave
Begins to wake from sleep.
That curls upon the deep,
When Ocean in his stilly cave
Begins to wake from sleep.
Tis like a zephyr on the wing;
Tis like a shadowy gleam
Cast by the aspen quivering
Upon a mountain stream.
Tis like a shadowy gleam
Cast by the aspen quivering
Upon a mountain stream.
Tis like the footfall of the hour,
That steals along in fear,
Lest happy lovers in their bower
Her passing tread should hear.
That steals along in fear,
Lest happy lovers in their bower
Her passing tread should hear.
They tell of fairies in the wold
That dance their airy rings;
A lighter fairy here behold
Than all the poet sings.
That dance their airy rings;
A lighter fairy here behold
Than all the poet sings.
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Yet comes she not from elfin-land;
Of earthly mould is she;
No wizard nor enchanter's wand
Could make her bound so free.
Of earthly mould is she;
No wizard nor enchanter's wand
Could make her bound so free.
Tis the young heart, that never care
Nor name of sorrow knew,
Tis this that makes her dance in air
So elfin-like to view.
Nor name of sorrow knew,
Tis this that makes her dance in air
So elfin-like to view.
In every glance the spirit beams,
In every step is joy:
Oh, let not age her infant dreams
Too ruthlessly destroy.
In every step is joy:
Oh, let not age her infant dreams
Too ruthlessly destroy.
| Poems; original and translated | |