Youth

I once might hear the fairies sing Upon the feathery grass a-swing, Or in the orchard's blossoming: Their melody so fine and clear, One had to bend his ear to hear, Or else the music well might pass For zephyrs whispering in the grass.

I once might see the fairies dance A-circle in their meadow-haunts, Soft-tapered by the new-moon's glance: Their airy feet in crystal shoon Made twinklings neath the silver moon. Such witchery, but that 't was seen, Might well have been the dew-drops' sheen.

I've wandered far yond summer seas, Where Music dwells mid harmonies That well the Seraphim might please; But never more I catch, ah me! The fairies' silvery melody-- Their crystal twinkling on the moonlit lea.