Poems, Chiefly Lyrical/Lilian
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 seeksPleasance in lovesighsShe, looking through and through meThoroughly to undo me,Smiling, never speaks;So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,From beneath her purfled wimple,Glancing with blackbeaded eyesTill the lightning laughters dimpleThe baby-roses in her cheeks,Then away she flies.
Prythee weep, May Lilian!Gaiety without eclipseWearieth me, May Lilian:Through my very heart it thrillethWhen from crimsonthreaded lipsSilvertreble 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.