Lilian

Airy, fairy Lilian,

Flitting, fairy Lilian,

When I ask her if she love me,

Claps her tiny hands above me,

Laughing all she can;

She'll not tell me if she love me,

Cruel little Lilian.

When my passion seeks

Pleasance in lovesighs

She, looking through and through me

Thoroughly to undo me,

Smiling, never speaks;

So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,

From beneath her purfled wimple,

Glancing with blackbeaded eyes

Till the lightning laughters dimple

The baby-roses in her cheeks,

Then away she flies.

Prythee weep, May Lilian!

Gaiety without eclipse

Wearieth me, May Lilian:

Through my very heart it thrilleth

When from crimsonthreaded lips

Silvertreble laughter trilleth:

Prythee weep, May Lilian.

Praying all I can,

If prayers will not hush thee,

Airy Lilian,

Like a roseleaf I will crush thee,

Fairy Lilian.