Now, when all this work is finished
And the whole World calmly dreams,
More Nymphs from the woods come skipping,
Heading for the Fields and Streams.
They’re a band of sweet musicians,
Rich in melody and song;
Hurrying to their wondrous concert,
That will last the whole night long.
In the hot June nights, this music
Through your chamber window floats,
Sounding now like rippling brooklets,
Then the Tree-toad’s warbling notes.
From the grass a steady chorus,—
Buzzings, chirps, and croakings,—show
How this Fairy Band is playing,
Loud and fast, or soft and slow.
Though most all the world is sleeping,
There are some who hear them play,
Who prefer the quiet of Evening
To the light and noise of Day.
Owls and Bats, with young Mosquitoes,
Mice and Fire-flies, dance and hop,
Till the Sun, the King of Fairies,
Sends his rays to bid them stop.
