Classic Poem

" SISTER , they say that in this dell
The gamesome elfin-people dwell,
And seize the maids that gathering stray,
And pluck their strawberries away.

" And furthermore 'tis credited
They kiss their lips to ruby red.
Why are thy lips so red? tell me,
And where thy strawberries may be?"

" Sister, our mother oft has told
That elvish folk, alert and bold,
Lurk in this darkling dell for hours
To pounce on maids that come for flowers,

" And spoil them merrily of these,
And of their chains and necklaces —
Where are thy flowers? I fain would know,
And where thy string of pearls also?"

The maidens laugh, and look so sly!
Down in the glen two youths I spy, —
One strawberries holds, and one, more vain,
Loops to his belt a pearly chain.