A Ballad of Faery Tales
I
O’er weary earth the twilight falls
The sunset fades from western skies,
Dark shadows dance upon the walls,
As from the hearth red flames arise.
This hour is full of strange surprise,
Of mystic stories sweet and grand;
And children hear with shining eyes
These Chronicles of Faeryland.
II
So, children, gather round my knee,
And list to tales of old romance;
With stories of the land and sea
I’ll make your eyes with pleasure dance.
And if the fays are kind, perchance
You’ll see in dreams the elfish band,
Whene’er you hear with wond’ring glance
These Chronicles of Faeryland.
III
The rugged caves where giants dwell;
The dragons guarding gems and gold;
Fair ladies who by magic spell
Are held enchained in castles old;
The handsome princes, brave and bold,
Who cross the moat by drawbridge spanned:
Such tales and more will now unfold
These Chronicles of Faeryland.
Envoi
Then, children, leave your books and toys,
And come to this enchanted strand;
I tell for happy girls and boys
These Chronicles of Faeryland.