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 seeks
Pleasance 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-bearded eyes,

Till the lightning laughters dimple
The baby-roses in her cheeks;
Then away she flies.

II  Prythee weep,

May Lilian!
Gaiety without eclipse  Whearieth me,

May Lilian;

Thro' my every heart it thrilleth  When from crimson-threaded

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.