Lilian

Alfred Lord Tennyson

              I
   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.


               II
        When my passion seeks
        Pleasance in love-sighs,
    She, looking thro' and thro' me
    Thoroughly to undo me,
        Smiling, never speaks:
So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,
From beneath her gathered wimple
  Glancing with black-bearded eyes,
Till the lightning laughters dimple
        The baby-roses in her cheeks;
        Then away she flies.


               III
  Prythee weep, May Lilian!
     Gaiety without eclipse
  Whearieth me, May Lilian;
Thro' my every heart it thrilleth
  When from crimson-threaded lips
Silver-treble laughter trilleth:
  Prythee weep, May Lilian!


               IV
       Praying all I can,
If prayers will not hush thee,
       Airy Lilian,
Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,
       Fairy Lilian.

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