Wednesday's Good Reading: “Lilian” by Alfred Tennyson

 

 

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 love-sighs,

She, looking thro’ and thro’ me

Thoroughly to undo me,

Smiling, never speaks:

So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,

From beneath her gather'd wimple

Glancing with black-beaded 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:

Thro’ my very heart it thrilleth

When from crimson-threaded lips

Silver-treble laughter trilleth:

Prythee weep, May Lilian.

 

Praying all I can,

If prayers will not hush thee,

Airy Lilian,

Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,

Fairy Lilian.