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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FINVARRAH (TO WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS) by NORA (CHESSON) HOPPER

First Line: I AM THE KING OF FAERY
Last Line: AND SET YOUR KIND DOORS WIDE
Subject(s): FAIRIES;

I am the King of Faery:

A thousand years ago
I am the King of Faery:
My elfin mother bore me

Between the snow and snow.

My elfin mother bore me
A thousand years ago
- Lightly, as fairies may -
My elfin mother bore me
To rule" a doubtful country

Between the dusk and day.

I am the King of Faery:
Between the snow and snow.
And wise I am, and old,
My elfin mother bore me
And of my fairy wisdom

A thousand hands take hold.

But those that seek my helping
- Lightly, as fairies may -
Are glad, for all their care.
To rule" a doubtful country
My thousand years of wisdom

'Lie dark upon my hair.

I am the King of Faery :
Between the dusk and day.
And none there is so gay

Among my gentle people

That dance the dews away.
I am the King of Faery:
I am the King of Faery

And none there is so sad,

Though Una is my ladv
And wise I am, and old,
And Aodh my serving-lad.
And of my fairy wisdom
I am the King of Faery,

And I, and all my kin,

May neither weep for sorrow,
A thousand hands take hold.
May neither serve nor sin.
But those that seek my helping
Bur we shall fade as dewdrops

That morning; sun has dried :

So serve us who have served you,
Are glad, for all their care.
And set your kind doors wide.
My thousand years of wisdom





'Lie dark upon my hair.



I am the King of Faery:
And none there is so gay


Among my gentle people
That dance the dews away.






I am the King of Faery
And none there is so sad,


Though Una is my ladv
And Aodh my serving-lad.


I am the King of Faery,


And I, and all my kin,
May neither weep for sorrow,


May neither serve nor sin.
Bur we shall fade as dewdrops


That morning; sun has dried:
So serve us who have served you,


And set your kind doors wide.




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