Poems (Tynan)/The Fairy Babe

by Katharine Tynan

THE FAIRY BABE

A LULLABY

Between the night and the gray morning,
When lights are out and the crickets sing,
The fairies stole my bud and my blossom
And laid this wizened thing in my bosom.
      Hush, O!
 Sleep, little fairy, sleep,
 Dream of the fields and the sheep,
 But never a sorrowful dream may take you
 Of the mother that could forsake you.
      Hush, O!

My little boy was rosy and sweet,
I kissed him over from head to feet;
But cold hands came in the midnight lonely
And drew him off, O my one child only.
      Hush, O!
 Sleep, little fairy, sleep,
 Sleep while I wake and weep,
 For it may be my little son misses
 The mother's milk and the love and kisses.
      Hush, O!

The fairy woman, with magic skill,
Came full of charms to work you ill;
I stood up in a sudden anger
And snatched you into my breast from danger.
      Hush, O!
 Sleep, little fairy, sleep,
 All that I have to keep;
 For on your face that is pinched and weary
 I saw a look of my own own dearie.
      Hush, O!

My boy that went in the wild morning
Shall wear a crown and a gay gold ring,
Shall ride a splendid horse when he 's older,
With cloak of velvet upon his shoulder.
      Hush, O!
 Sleep, little fairy, sleep,
 Stars are beginning to peep,
 And may your mother my wee son cherish
 That so he go not milkless and perish.
      Hush, O!