THE FAIRY RING

By James Henry Cousins

Enfolded in the Fairy Ring

My loved one sleeping lies,

To simple souls a dreadful thing,

For half a hundred eyes

Peep out from where among the grass

Floats up a magic lay

To call the souls of all who pass,

To fairyland away.

But I who know her heart's desire,

Fear neither spell nor frown;

For not till fire shall stifle fire,

Or water water drown,

Or love hate love, can any harm

In kindred hearts abide.

Oh! she can combat charm with charm,

My elfin-hearted bride!

And ye, whose minds are set to win

Fame's leaf or fortune's prize!

Beware the spell that lurks within

The circle of her eyes;

For she has power to blow like straws

Earth's baubles from the hand,

And call the souls of all who pause,

Away to fairyland.