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

  III.

  Prythee weep, May Lilian!
    Gaiety without eclipse
  Wearieth me, May Lilian;
Thro’ my very heart it thrilleth
  When from crimson-threaded lips
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.