Poems, Chiefly Lyrical/Lilian

by Alfred Tennyson

For other versions of this work, see Lilian.

LILIAN.

 

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 lovesighs
She, looking through and through me
Thoroughly to undo me,
Smiling, never speaks;
So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,
From beneath her purfled wimple,
Glancing with blackbeaded 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:
Through my very heart it thrilleth
When from crimsonthreaded lips
Silvertreble laughter trilleth:
Prythee weep, May Lilian.
Praying all I can,
If prayers will not hush thee,
Airy Lilian,
Like a roseleaf I will crush thee,
Fairy Lilian.