Water Lilies
I
Come away, Elves,
while the dew is sweet (1),
Come to the dingles
where Fairies meet;
Know that the lilies
have spread their bells (2)
O'er all the pools
in our forest dells;
II
Stilly and lightly
their vases rest
On quivering sleep
of the water's breast,
Catching the sunshine
throught leaves that throw
To their scented bosoms
an emerald glow;
Chorus
Come away!
for the midsummer sun grows strong,
And the life of the lily may not be long
III
Come away!
Under arching boughs we'll float,
Making those urns
each a Faerie boat
Row them with reeds
o'er the fountains free,
tall flag-leaf (3) shall
our streamer be,
IV
And a star from the depth
of each pearly cup,
A golden star unto
Heaven looks up,
As if seeking its kindred
where bright they lie,
Set in the blue
of the summer sky.
[Chorus]
V
And we'll send out
wild music so sweet and low,
It shall seem
from the bright flower's heart to flow,
As if 'twere breeze
with a flute's low sigh,
Or water drops train'd into melody.
(End)
Come away, Elves,
Come away, Faeries,
Come away, Elves
Come away, Come away, Faeries,
