FLORA AND THALIA. 149 



WATER-LILIES. 



Come away, elves ! while the dew is sweet, 



Come to the dingles where fairies meet; 



Know that the Lilies have spread their bells, 



O'er all the pools in our forest dells ; 



Stilly and lightly their vases rest 



On the quivering sleep of the water's breast. 



Catching the sunshine thro' leaves that throw 



To their scented bosoms an emerald glow ; 



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. 



Come away ! under arching boughs we'll float. 



Making those urns each a fairy boat ; 



We'll row them with reeds o'er the fountains free. 



And a tall flag-leaf shall our streamer be ; 



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 a breeze with a flute's low sigh, 



Or water-drops trained into melody. 



Come away ! for the Midsummer sun grows strong. 



And the life the Lily may not be long. 



MRS. HEMANS'S NATIOIfAL LYRICS. 



