Classic Poem

The First.

Hither come! my sister-fairies!
Lo! a child of earth is here!
Nimble are such winsome witches —
Haste! before she disappear.

All.

Maiden, join the elfin-dance
'Neath the stars' and moonlight's glance!

The Second.

'Sooth, thou art a lightsome darling,
Scarcely fifty pounds dost weigh;
Small thy foot, yet deft and nimble,
Join us in the dance, we pray!

The Third.

Just while three is being counted,
Freely in the air thou'lt leap,
Stamping in between a little,
Just enough the time to keep.

All.

Be not angry, darling wight!
Dance beneath the moonbeams' light.

The Fourth.

Canst thou laugh, beloved darling?
Weep'st thou 'neath the moon's soft ray?
Weep yet more — so shalt thou, melting,
Soon become a lightsome Fay!

The Fifth.

May we, dear, industrious call thee,
Art thou of thy labours proud?
Are thy bridal coverings woven,
Spinnest thou as yet thy shroud?

The Sixth.

Know'st thou yet the lore important,
How with pastry lard to blend?
How much salt — and how much pepper —
Hast thou at thy fingers' end?

All.

Darling, be our questions heard;
Answer not a single word.

The Seventh.

Hast thou not upon thy conscience —
Like so many a child beside —
Thoughts of sweet but stolen kisses,
Trespasses thou fain wouldst hide?

The Eighth.

Is thy faith already plighted?
Hast thou, dear, a lover true,
One who takes thee out a-walking
Every day from one till two?

The Ninth.

Lies a ring around thy finger,
Golden, with a gem bedight?
Truth it means, and deep devotion,
When it clasps the finger right.

The Tenth.

Art thou, darling, still so angry,
Is thy spirit always high?
Pray, subdue that hasty temper,
Ere thou seek the marriage-tie!

All.

Darling, join the elfin-dance
'Neath the stars' and moonlight's glance.