Lilian

Lilian by Alfred Tennyson

          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-beaded eyes,
Till the lightning laughters dimple
    The baby-roses in her cheeks;
    Then away she flies.

          III
  Prythee weep, May Lilian!
  Gaiety without eclipse
  Wearieth me, May Lilian;
Thro’ my very 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.

This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.