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.