266 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [v.

 

Religion ruled by Priestly hand—
Such have no place in Fairyland.

‘Where the blue Ocean swells in might,
And roll the waves with ceaseless. roar,

And the white surge, in mad delight,
Breaks on the solitary shore ;

No Fairy form the wave conveys,

There may we list no elfin lays.

‘ Still will you ask where Fairies dwell?

Dear Lady, I will strive to tell.

Oft have you seen, in childhood’s hours,
When merrily you loved to roam

Amid the oak-encircled bowers
That waved in splendour round your home,

Near some moss-bank or crystal spring

The diamond-sparkling ‘* Fairy Ring.”

‘Here is it that our Fairies dwell
(Though unperceived by mortal eye),
The peaceful spot could truly tell
Tales of their midnight revelry.
The grass still drooping, lately prest
By elfin feet in playful sport, .
Shows how, when earthborn creatures rest,
Hither our Fairy bands resort,
And, on the moss and couches green,
Disport around our elfin queen !
I cannot ope to mortal eye
These scenes of sweet felicity ;
I cannot in my verse express
One tithe of all their happiness.
It may not be—your fancy’s eye
Alone may view their “‘ phantasy” ;
Alone may know the modest dance
Of graceful Fairy elegance ;
Alone may hear that lovely strain
The words re-echo back again.
For should you seek their dear retreat,
From mortal sound my elves would hide,