IX.

Unboastful Maid! tho’ now the lily pale Transparent grace thy beauties meek; Yet ere again along the impurpling vale, The purpling vale and elfin-haunted grove, Young Zephyr his fresh flowers profusely throws, We’ll tinge with livelier hues thy cheek! And haply from the nectar-breathing rose Extract a blush of love!

SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE.

FAIRY FAVOURS.

Would’st thou wear the gift of immortal bloom? Would’st thou smile in scorn at the shadowy tomb? Drink of this cup! it is richly fraught With balm from the gardens of genii brought; Drink, and the spoiler shall pass thee by, When the young all scattered like rose-leaves lie.

And would not the youth of my soul be gone, If the loved had left me, one by one? Take back the cup that may never bless, The gift that would make me brotherless; How should I live with no kindred eye To reflect mine immortality?

Would’st thou have empire, by sign or spell, Over the mighty in air that dwell? Would’st thou call the spirits of shore and steep To fetch thee jewels from ocean’s deep? Wave but this rod, and a viewless band, Slaves to thy will, shall around thee stand.

And would not fear, at my coming then, Hush every voice in the homes of men? Would not bright eyes in my presence quail? Young cheeks with a nameless thrill turn pale? No gift be mine that aside would turn The human love for whose founts I yearn!

Would’st thou then read through the hearts of those Upon whose faith thou hast sought repose? Wear this rich gem! it is charm’d to show When a change comes over affection’s glow, Look on its flushing or fading hue, And learn if the trusted be false or true!

Keep, keep the gem, that I still may trust, Though my heart’s wealth be but pour’d on dust! Let not a doubt in my soul have place, To dim the light of a loved one’s face; Leave to the earth its warm sunny smile— That glory would pass could I look on guile!

Say, then, what boon of my power shall be, Favour’d of spirits! pour’d forth on thee? Thou scornest the treasures of wave and mine, Thou wilt not drink of the cup divine, Thou art fain with a mortal’s lot to rest— Answer me! how may I grace it best?

Oh! give me no sway o’er the powers unseen, But a human heart where my own may lean! A friend, one tender and faithful friend, Whose thoughts’ free current with mine may blend, And leaving not either on earth alone, Bid the bright calm close of our lives be one!

FELICIA HEMANS.

WATER-LILIES: A FAIRY SONG.

Come away, elves! while the dew is sweet, Come to the dingles where fairies meet; Know that the lilies have spread their bells O’er all the pools in our forest dells; Stilly and lightly their vases rest On the quivering sleep of the water’s breast, Catching the sunshine through leaves that throw To their scented bosoms an emerald glow; And a star from the depth of each pearly cup, A golden star unto heaven looks up, As if seeking its kindred where bright they lie, Set in the blue of the summer sky. —Come away! under arching boughs we’ll float, Making those urns each a fairy boat; We’ll row them with reeds o’er the fountains free, And a tall flag-leaf shall our streamer be, And we’ll send out wild music so sweet and low, It shall seem from the bright flower’s heart to flow, As if ’twere a breeze with a flute’s low sigh, Or water drops train’d into melody. —Come away! for the midsummer sun grows strong, And the life of the lily may not be long.

FELICIA HEMANS.

FANTASIES.