THE PERI AND THE PAGE.
I
A Peri, o'ercome by a Deev, was left
In a golden cage confin'd;
On the topmost branch of the loftiest tree,
It rock'd in the stormy wind.
A Page through the forest was prancing forth,
But he paus'd, when the Peri cried,
“Oh! give me liberty, gentle youth,
And I'll be thy lady bride.”
II
“Nay, I have a love of my own,” he said,
“A maiden of low degree;
I'll let thee loose; but, beauteous sprite,
Thou art not the bride for me.”
“I'll give thee the wealth of the world,” she cried.
“No, the wealth of the world were vain;
Yet tho' I can never be thine, fair sprite,
I will break thy golden chain.”
III
He climb'd the tree, and the Peri was free;
But ere she her thanks could speak,
With joyous speed, he mounted his steed,
The home of his love to seek.
“Oh! dearer to me is thy constancy,
Than thy love could have been,” she cried;
“I promise thee health, I promise thee wealth,
Then away to thy chosen bride.”
