Lilian

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

　　

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I 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. II When my passion seeks Pleasance in love-sighs, She, looking thro' and thro' me Thoroughly to undo me, Smiling, never speaks: So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple, From beneath her gathered wimple Glancing with black-bearded eyes, Till the lightning laughters dimple The baby-roses in her cheeks; Then away she flies. III Prythee weep, May Lilian! Gaiety without eclipse Whearieth me, May Lilian; Thro' my every heart it thrilleth When from crimson-threaded lips Silver-treble laughter trilleth: Prythee weep, May Lilian! IV Praying all I can, If prayers will not hush thee, Airy Lilian, Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee, Fairy Lilian.

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