THE FAIRIES OF THE NIGHT.
WHEN the world is calmly sleeping,
Through the quiet summer nights,
From the Forest’s depths come creeping
Swarms of tiny Nymphs and Sprites.
Moving slowly, all on tip-toe,
At the Forest’s edge they stay.
Till the last hues of the daylight
O’er the hill-tops fade away.
Then across the fields they scamper,
Each one carrying on his back
Various tools to do his work with,
Done up in a cobweb sack.
Some have bedding for the Insects,
Gowns and nightcaps for the Birds;
Monstrous music-books, containing
Lullabies that have no words.
Others carry tiny cradles
For the little baby Toads;
While behind the rest come rushing
Many Gnomes with curious loads.
There are Barrels, Tanks, and Bottles
Filled with dew, clear to the brinks;
And these Gnomes, with silver goblets
Give the Flowers their evening drinks.
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