The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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| IV. |
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 | VII. |
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“WILL YOU GET ME SOME FAIRY-TALES?”
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| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
253
“WILL YOU GET ME SOME FAIRY-TALES?”
Three years ago you asked for fairy-lore;
Three years ago, three wild strange years or more,
With girlish laughter
You revelled in the fairy-tales I brought.
We only dreamed of love. We guessed not aught
Of all life's pain and strife that followed after.
Three years ago, three wild strange years or more,
With girlish laughter
You revelled in the fairy-tales I brought.
We only dreamed of love. We guessed not aught
Of all life's pain and strife that followed after.
To-day, again, you say “Bring fairy-tales.”
Yes, you are right. Whatever woe assails
Wall, beam and rafter,
Of the frail house of life, it still is well
As far as may be in the realm to dwell
Of love and fairy-dreams and young light laughter.
Yes, you are right. Whatever woe assails
Wall, beam and rafter,
Of the frail house of life, it still is well
As far as may be in the realm to dwell
Of love and fairy-dreams and young light laughter.
“ Life should be one long fairy-tale for you”
I said—“one summer dream of skies of blue,
Were I deviser
Of life's events.” Three years have passed away.
Your poet's hair is some degrees more grey:
Your black hair crowns a forehead three years wiser!
I said—“one summer dream of skies of blue,
Were I deviser
254
Your poet's hair is some degrees more grey:
Your black hair crowns a forehead three years wiser!
But I will work your bidding. We will go
Once more where magic silver waters flow;
Once more surprise her,
The Fairy Queen, and mark her deep eyes change
With sudden transformation sweet and strange
Into your eyes, my miracle-deviser!
Once more where magic silver waters flow;
Once more surprise her,
The Fairy Queen, and mark her deep eyes change
With sudden transformation sweet and strange
Into your eyes, my miracle-deviser!
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |