THE story-books have told you Of the fairy-folks so nice, That make them leathern aprons Of the ears of little mice; And wear the leaves of roses, Like a cap upon their heads, And sleep at night on thistle-down, Instead of feather beds! These stories, too, have told you, No doubt to your surprise, That the fairies ride in coaches That are drawn by butterflies; And come into your chambers, When you are locked in dreams, And right across your counterpanes Make bold to drive their teams; And that they heap your pillows With their gifts of rings and pearls; But do not heed such idle tales, My little boys and girls. There are no fairy-folk that ride About the world at night, Who give you rings and other things, To pay for doing right. But if you do to others what You'd have them do to you, You'll be as blest as if the best Of story-books were true. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NO COMING TO GOD WITHOUT CHRIST by ROBERT HERRICK LEE TO THE REAR [MAY 12, 1864] by JOHN REUBEN THOMPSON THE SEAMY SIDE OF MOTLEY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 43. ALLAH-AL-KARIM by EDWIN ARNOLD THE REQUEST. TO LOVE by PHILIP AYRES LES HIBOUX by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE |