The Works of Tennyson The Eversley Edition: Annotated by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Edited by Hallam, Lord Tennyson |
 | I. |
|
LILIAN. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| II. |
| III. |
| VII. |
| V. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
 | The Works of Tennyson |  |
21
LILIAN.
I.
Airy, fairy Lilian,Flitting, fairy Lilian,
When I ask her if she love me,
Claps her tiny hands above me,
Laughing all she can;
She'll not tell me if she love me,
Cruel little Lilian.
II.
When my passion seeksPleasance in love-sighs,
She, looking thro' and thro' me
Thoroughly to undo me,
Smiling, never speaks:
So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,
From beneath her gathered wimple
Glancing with black-beaded eyes,
22
The baby-roses in her cheeks;
Then away she flies.
III.
Prythee weep, May Lilian!Gaiety without eclipse
Wearieth me, May Lilian:
Thro' my very heart it thrilleth
When from crimson-threaded lips
Silver-treble laughter trilleth:
Prythee weep, May Lilian.
IV.
Praying all I can,If prayers will not hush thee,
Airy Lilian,
Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,
Fairy Lilian.
| The Works of Tennyson | |