Dedication to My Children
One time I chanced upon a fairy ring
Wherein Titania’s lieges held their court,
And watched the fairies merrily disport,
While sweetly the near nightingale did fling
His magic music over everything,
Till all in me was to that wonder wrought
Where feeling reaches heights unknown to thought,
Where spirit unto spirit seems to sing.
My heart ached when too soon one fairy went
To rest ’mid flow’rs, and yet it came to pass
In that green world there seemed no room for fears,—
By dancing joys fresh joy to me was sent,
Though ever more that vacant place there was,
When dews befell, and in my eyes were tears.
W. J.