Lilian

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.