And the happy water whispered to the trees.

She was fain to cross the brook, was the dainty, dainty maid;

But first she lifted up her elfin eyes

To see if there were cavalier or clown a-near to aid,—

And the water-bubbles blinked in surprise.

The brook bared its pebbles to persuade her dainty feet,

But the dainty, dainty maid was not content.

She had spied a simple country lad (for dainty maid unmeet),

And the shy water twinkled as it went.

As the simple lad drew nigh, then this dainty, dainty maid,