Beside the old hall-fire—upon my nurse's knee, Of happy fairy-days—what tales were told to me! I thought the world was once—all peopled with princésses, And my heart would beat to hear—their loves and their distresses; And many a quiet night—in slumber sweet and deep, The pretty fairy people—would visit me in sleep.
I saw them in my dreams—come flying east and west, With wondrous fairy gifts—the new-born babe they bless'd; One has brought a jewel—and one a crown of gold, And one has brought a curse—but she is wrinkled and old. The gentle queen turns pale—to hear those words of sin, But the king he only laughs—and bids the dance begin.
