Winthrop Mackworth Praed

Fairy Song

HE has conn'd the lesson now;
   He has read the book of pain:
There are furrows on his brow;
   I must make it smooth again.

Lo! I knock the spurs away;
   Lo! I loosen belt and brand;
Hark! I hear the courser neigh
   For his stall in Fairy-land.

Bring the cap, and bring the vest;
   Buckle on his sandal shoon;
Fetch his memory from the chest
   In the treasury of the moon.

I have taught him to be wise
   For a little maiden's sake;--
Lo! he opens his glad eyes,
   Softly, slowly: Minstrel, wake!