BESIDE the old hall-fire -- upon my nurse's knee, Of happy fairy days -- what tales were told to me! I thought the world was once -- all peopled with princesses, And my heart would beat to hear -- their loves and their distresses; And many a quiet night -- in slumber sweet and deep, The pretty fairy people -- would visit me in sleep. I saw them in my dreams -- come flying east and west, With wondrous fairy gifts -- the new-born babe they blessed; One has brought a jewel -- and one a crown of gold, And one has brought a curse -- but she is wrinkled and old. The gentle queen turns pale -- to hear those words of sin, But the king he only laughs -- and bids the dance begin. The babe has grown to be the fairest of the land, And rides the forest green -- a hawk upon her hand, An ambling palfrey white -- a golden robe and crown; I've seen her in my dreams -- riding up and down; And heard the ogre laugh -- as she fell into his snare, At the little tender creature -- who wept and tore her hair! But ever when it seemed -- her need was at the sorest, A prince in shining mail -- comes prancing through the forest, A waving ostrich-plume -- a buckler burnished bright; I've seen him in my dreams -- good sooth! a gallant knight. His lips are coral-red -- beneath a dark mustache; See how he waves his hand -- and how his blue eyes flash! "Come forth, thou Paynim knight!" -- he shouts in accents clear. The giant and the maid -- both tremble his voice to hear. Saint Mary guard him well! -- he draws his falchion keen, The giant and the knight -- are fighting on the green. I see them in my dreams -- his blade gives stroke on stroke, The giant pants and reels -- and tumbles like an oak! With what a blushing grace -- he falls upon his knee And takes the lady's hand -- and whispers, "You are free!" Ah! happy childish tales of knight and faerie! I waken from my dreams -- but there's ne'er a knight for me! I waken from my dreams -- and wish that I could be A child by the old hall-fire -- upon my nurse's knee! |