First Maid of Honor. Dear Queen, we have sought far and near for the answer to the Philosopher's riddle. We bring thee several early spring flowers; but now they are blooming all together, how can we tell which was first?
Second Maid of Honor. And as we were looking we found these sweet wood-fairies, and have asked them to join in our mirth to-day.
Queen. Right glad am I to welcome you, sweet wood-fairies. How may we call you?
Titania.
Call us elves and trolls and fays,
Call us friends who love you dear;
Down beneath the tree-roots for you
We are spinning all the year.
Right gladly I will stay awhile,
And bask within the May-Queen's smile,
But soon I'll have to flit away;
The fairy Queen not long can stay.
Calla-Lily.
I bring grace and Parian whiteness,
Where I bloom is loveliest brightness.
Rosemary.
For remembrance, Queen, am I;
Let me in your bosom lie.
Sweet-William.