Welcome, ladies! to the cell, Where the blameless Pixies dwell, But thou, sweet nymph! proclaimed our faery queen, With what obeisance meet Thy presence shall we greet? For lo! attendant on thy steps are seen Graceful ease in artless stole, And white-robed purity of soul, With honour’s softer mien: Mirth of the loosely-flowing hair And meek-eyed pity eloquently fair, Whose tearful cheeks are lovely to the view, As snow-drop wet with dew. IX. Unboastful Maid! tho’ now the lily pale Transparent grace thy beauties meek; Yet ere again along the impurpling vale, The purpling vale and elfin-haunted grove, Young Zephyr his fresh flowers profusely throws, We’ll tinge with livelier hues thy cheek! And haply from the nectar-breathing rose Extract a blush of love! SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE. FAIRY FAVOURS. Would’st thou wear the gift of immortal bloom? Would’st thou smile in scorn at the shadowy tomb? Drink of this cup! it is richly fraught With balm from the gardens of genii brought; Drink, and the spoiler shall pass thee by, When the young all scattered like rose-leaves lie. And would not the youth of my soul be gone, If the loved had left me, one by one? Take back the cup that may never bless, The gift that would make me brotherless; How should I live with no kindred eye To reflect mine immortality? Would’st thou have empire, by sign or spell, Over the mighty in air that dwell? Would’st thou call the spirits of shore and steep To fetch thee jewels from ocean’s deep? Wave but this rod, and a viewless band, Slaves to thy will, shall around thee stand. And would not fear, at my coming then, Hush every voice in the homes of men? Would not bright eyes in my presence quail? Young cheeks with a nameless thrill turn pale? No gift be mine that aside would turn The human love for whose founts I yearn! Would’st thou then read through the hearts of those Upon whose faith thou hast sought repose? Wear this rich gem! it is charm’d to show When a change comes over affection’s glow, Look on its flushing or fading hue, And learn if the trusted be false or true! Keep, keep the gem, that I still may trust, Though my heart’s wealth be but pour’d on dust! Let not a doubt in my soul have place, To dim the light of a loved one’s face; Leave to the earth its warm sunny smile— That glory would pass could I look on guile! Say, then, what boon of my power shall be, Favour’d of spirits! pour’d forth on thee? Thou scornest the treasures of wave and mine, Thou wilt not drink of the cup divine, Thou art fain with a mortal’s lot to rest— Answer me! how may I grace it best?