* * * * * * *
As I walked down into Eastnor Vale
The stars already were twinkling pale,
And over the spaces of dew-white grass
I saw a marvellous pageant pass.
Tiny riders on tiny steeds,
Decked with blossoms and armed with reeds,
With gossamer banners floating far
And a radiant queen in an ivory car.
The beeches spread their petticoats wide
And curtseyed low upon either side;
The rabbits scurried across the glade
To peep at the glittering cavalcade.
Far and farther I saw them go
And vanish into the woods below;
Then over the shadowy woodland ways
I wandered home in a sweet amaze.
* * * * * * *
But Malvern people need fear no ill
Since fairies bide in their country still.
THE FAIRIES SEND MESSENGERS
They sent a stout little red-breast bird;
He sang from the garden wall;
Surely, oh, surely the children heard,
But never they came to his call.