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Some from the rivers, others from tall trees ^ 
Dropped like sped blossoms, silent to the grass, 
Spirits and elfins small, of every class. 
Peri and Pixy, and quaint Puck the antic, 
Brought Robin Good-fellow, that merry swain ; 
And stealthy Mab, queen of old realms romantic, 
Came too from distance in her tiny wain, 
Fresh dropping from a cloud—some bloomy rain 
Then circling the bright moon, had washed her car, 
And still bedewed it with a various stain 
Lastly came Ariel, shooting from a star, 
Who bears all fairy embassies afar.”* 
It was in the midst of their dances that night, that 
old Time came and frightened them into the acorn- 
cups, and when he would not listen to then piayers, 
but threatened them with his scythe, Shakspeare, 
the Bard of Avon, appeared among them and de¬ 
fied old Time. And he promised they should live 
forever in the memories of men. 
Mary heard the nightingale, and saw the fairies, 
till the silence of the “Valley Lily-bells” waked 
* Thomas Hood. 
