I

The spirits of the forest, That to the winds give voice-- I lie the livelong April day And wonder what it is they say That makes the leaves rejoice.

The spirits of the forest, That breathe in bud and bloom-- I walk within the haw-tree brake And wonder how it is they make The bubbles of perfume.

The spirits of the forest, That dwell in every spring-- I lean above the brook’s bright blue And wonder what it is they do That makes the water sing.

The spirits of the forest, That haunt the sun’s green glow-- Down fungus ways of fern I steal And would surprise what they conceal, In dew, that twinkles so.

O spirits of the forest, Here are my heart and hand!-- Oh, send a gleam or glow-worm ray To guide my soul the firefly way That leads to Fairyland.