Mythology & Folklore

The Fairies' Dance

by Anonymous (Elizabethan songs) c. 1588–1630

From Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age, ed. A. H. Bullen (London: Nimmo, 1891)

Mythology & Folklore

Dare you haunt our hallow'd green?
None but fairies here are seen.
Down and sleep,
Wake and weep,
Pinch him black, and pinch him blue,
That seeks to steal a lover true!
When you come to hear us sing,
Or to tread our fairy ring,
Pinch him black, and pinch him blue!
O thus our nails shall handle you!

✦ ✦ ✦

From Thomas Ravenscroft's Brief Discourse, 1614.

MLA

Anonymous (Elizabethan songs). “The Fairies' Dance.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-elizabethan-songs/29/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Elizabethan songs). “The Fairies' Dance.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-elizabethan-songs/29/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Anonymous (Elizabethan songs)