Dancing For A Prize

Three fairies by the Sangamon Were dancing for a prize. The rascals were alike indeed As they danced with drooping eyes. I gave the magic acorn To the one I loved the best, The imp that made me think of her My heart’s eternal guest, My lady of the tea-rose, my lady far away, Queen of the fleets of No-Man’s-Land That sail to old Cathay. How did the trifler hint of her? Ah, when the dance was done They begged me for the acorn, Laughing every one. Two had eyes of midnight, And one had golden eyes, And I gave the golden acorn To the scamp with golden eyes. Confessor Dandelion, My priest so grey and wise Whispered when I gave it To the girl with golden eyes: “She is like your Queen of Glory On China’s holy strand Who drove the coiling dragons Like doves before her hand.”