Beside the old hall-fire-upon my nurse's knee,
Of happy fairy days-what tales were told to me!
I thought the world was once-all peopled with princesses,
And my heart would beat to hear-their loves and their distresses:
And many a quiet night,-in slumber sweet and deep,
The pretty fairy people-would visit me in sleep.

I saw them in my dreams-come flying east and west,
With wondrous fairy gifts-the newborn babe they bless'd;
One has brought a jewel-and one a crown of gold,
And one has brought a curse-but she is wrinkled and old.
The gentle queen turns pale-to hear those words of sin,
But the king he only laughs-and bids the dance begin.

The babe has grown to be-the fairest of the land,
And rides the forest green-a hawk upon her hand,
An ambling palfrey white-a golden robe and crown:
I've seen her in my dreams-riding up and down:
And heard the ogre laugh-as she fell into his snare,
At the little tender creature-who wept and tore her hair!

But ever when it seemed-her need was at the sorest,
A prince in shining mail-comes prancing through the forest,
A waving ostrich-plume-a buckler burnished bright;
I've seen him in my dreams-good sooth! a gallant knight.
His lips are coral red-beneath a dark moustache;
See how he waves his hand-and how his blue eyes flash!

'Come forth, thou Paynim knight!'-he shouts in accents clear.
The giant and the maid-both tremble his voice to hear.
Saint Mary guard him well!-he draws his falchion keen,
The giant and the knight-are fighting on the green.
I see them in my dreams-his blade gives stroke on stroke,
The giant pants and reels-and tumbles like an oak!

With what a blushing grace-he falls upon his knee
And takes the lady's hand-and whispers, 'You are free!'
Ah! happy childish tales-of knight and faerie!
I waken from my dreams-but there's ne'er a knight for me;
I waken from my dreams-and wish that I could be
A child by the old hall-fire-upon my nurse's knee!