Fairy Homes

I'Ve found at last the hiding-place
Where the fairy people dwell,
And to win the secrets of their race
I hold the long-sought spell.

With the woodland fairies I can talk,
I can list their silvery lays ;
Oh ! pleasant in a lonely walk
Is the company of fays.

No fabled fancy 't is to me,
For in every floweret's bell
Is a tiny chamber, where I see
A gentle fairy dwell.

And at my bidding forth they come,
To soothe me or to cheer,
And to tell me tales of fairydom
With voices soft and clear.

Full many a beauteous lesson, too,
Their rosy lips can teach ;
Great men would wonder if they knew
How well the fairies preach !

When thoughts of sorrow sadden me,
They seem to sympathize,
And gaze upon me lovingly,
With tender earnest eyes ;

But when a tide of joyous glee
Is bringing song and smile,
Then brightly they look up to me,
And laugh with me awhile.

Oh ! lovely are the floweret homes
Of these sweet summer fays ;
God's thoughts of beauty taking form
To gladden mortal gaze.