Classic Poem

— Airy , fairy Lilian,
— Flitting, fairy Lilian,
When I ask her if she love me,
Clasps her tiny hand above me,
— Laughing all she can;
She'll not tell me if she love me,
— Cruel little Lilian.

— When my passion seeks
— Pleasance in love-sighs,
She, looking through and through me,
Thoroughly to undo me,
— Smiling, never speaks:
So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,
From beneath her gathered wimple
— Glancing with black-beaded eyes,
Till the lightning laughters dimple
— The baby-roses in her cheeks;
— Then away she flies.

Prithee weep, May Lilian!
— Gaiety without eclipse
Wearieth me, May Lilian:
Through my very heart it thrilleth,
— When from crimson-threaded lips
Silver-treble laughter thrilleth:
Prithee weep, May Lilian!

— Praying all I can,
If prayers will not hush thee,
— Airy Lilian,
Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,
— Fairy Lilian.