University of Virginia Library

FAIRY SONG.

Let us trip in airy dances,
While the weary mortals sleep;
See the waning orb advances,
Lighting those that vigils keep.
In the nectar drown all trouble,
Sweetened by the honey'd bee;
Make a punch-bowl of a bubble,
Underneath our fav'rite tree.
We have not the cares of mortals,
Nature's self our tailor is;
Sorrow enters not our portals,—
All our fairy-nights are bliss.

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Some fine peacock's lovely feather,
Brightest that was ever seen,
With its edge adorned with heather,
Forms a carpet for our queen.
Stop the dance—a beetle's coming,
We must take his sable wing;
Stop his flight and mournful humming,
He must arm the fairy king.
Now a moment's mirth and dancing,—
We of songs have got no more;
When the moon, so high advancing,
Shows the fairy dance is o'er.
Wings of insects on the river,
We can borrow when we please;
Then we fly away for ever,
To the shades of joy and peace.