Page:Poems David.djvu/142

CHILD.

Pure and bright the gay crystal drops
 That about thy amber tresses lay,
And silvery bands of moonlight stream
 Around thy fairy forms that play;
Oh! ye bright daughters of the waves,
 Sleeping deep down in coral cell;
Oh! fain with ye fair nymphs of ocean,
 Within thy crystal halls to dwell!

FOURTH MERMAID.

Thou hast asked of ocean's children,
 Ah! what their lips dare not name;
Know ye 'tis the self same powers
 That didst the mighty genii frame.

CHILD.

Oh! wilt thou sing?—thy voices wild
 Echo softly o'er the deep cool sea;
The music of the moonlit waters
 Will bear a burden sweet for thee!

FIRST MERMAID.

Oh! spirit I am of azure deep,
 The billows crest I boldly ride;