I never quite saw fairyfolk
A-dancing in the glade,
Where, just beyond the hollow oak,
Their broad green rings are laid;
But, while behind that oak I hid,
One day I very nearly did!

I never quite saw mermaids rise
Above the twilight sea,
When sands, left wet, 'neath sunset skies,
Are blushing rosily:
But — all alone, those rocks amid —
One day I very nearly did!

I never quite saw Goblin Grim,
Who haunts our lumber room
And pops his head above the rim
Of that oak chest's deep gloom:
But once — when mother raised the lid —
I very, very nearly did!