But ere the morning has well begun They all come leaping forth to the sun. They hang for a shimmering moment there Shaking their curls in the warm bright air, While the water drops from their delicate wings And dapples the lake with quivering rings, Then rise like thistledown over the trees And float away on the heather-sweet breeze. They leave not a sign, they leave not a trace, A slumberous calm lies over the place; Only the green, green waters bide To tell the secret they never can hide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE SKYLARK Of all the birds the fairies love the skylark much the best; They come with little fairy gifts to seek his hidden nest. They praise his tiny slender feet and silken suit of brown, And with their gentle hands they smooth his feathers softly down. They cluster round with glowing cheeks and bright expectant eyes, Waiting the moment that shall bring the freedom of the skies; Waiting the double-sweet delight that only he can give— (Oh, kings might surely spurn their crowns to live as fairies live). To ride upon a skylark’s back between his happy wings, To float upon the edge of heaven and listen while he sings— The dreams of mortals scarce can touch so perfected a bliss, And even fairies could not know a greater joy than this. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IN BOND STREET Upon her little velvet hat A silken tassel hung, And to the very end of that A tiny fairy clung. Among her curls he bobbed about And played at hide-and-seek With every dimple that came out Upon her chin or cheek. This is a common sight perchance For Londoners to see? It seemed to draw no curious glance From anyone but me. Along the street I watched her go Serenely unaware; And still he tumbled to and fro (It seemed so strange she should not know) Among her golden hair. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TIMOTHY My cat Timothy who has such lovely eyes Is really not a cat at all; it’s only a disguise. A witch cast a spell on him a long time since And changed him to a pussy-cat; but once he was a Prince.