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.

III

  Prythee weep, May Lilian!

    Gaiety without eclipse

  Whearieth me, May Lilian;

Thro' my every 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.