64 A FAIRY VISION. 



It leaps impetuous from some jutting rock 



And foams and flashes in the gulph below : 



Possessed its nymph whose sweet presiding care. 



Unlocked its source, and bade its waters flow 



In mazy cun*ent guided by her hand. 



Her task was all delight, and oft at noon 



When fervid rays oppressed the tender flowers. 



Her fragrant limbs amidst the crystal pool 



She'd lave with ecstacy, and revel there 



Till rosy evening brought the cooling breeze.-— 



Oft would she sit upon the mossy bank 



And bind the golden tresses of her hair, 



With water lillies or empurpled bells. 



Whose beauties blushed around, and then would gaze. 



In gentle pensiveness at her bright form. 



Thus fair adorned, as in reflection clear 



It shone resplendent in her native fount; 



The while her voice with silver melody. 



More soft and gentle than the woodland choir, 



Chaunted some sonnet to its murmuring flow. 



Oh ! bright creations of the longing mind. 

 In love with beauty such as never blessed 

 The waking sight. Oh ! beings, who of old 

 Were deemed to people all the classic shores 

 Of Greece unrivalled, will ye never dwell 

 Amidst our woodlands, haunt our forest shades. 

 Our flowery plains, and mossy-bordered brooks. 

 Gilding their beauties with the richer light 

 Of legendary lore ? Yet British land 

 Is not untenanted by such as ye. 

 Her fairy-people whose enchanting forms 

 And peerless beauty ye cannot surpass ! 



Tradition tells that oft the rustic swain 

 When late returning from some village feast, 



