Mythology & Folklore

Sonnet Written to Bouts-rimes (I fancy the good fairies dressed in white)

by Christina Rossetti 1830–1894

From New Poems (1896)

Mythology & Folklore

I fancy the good fairies dressed in white,
Glancing like moonbeams through the shadows black;
Without much work to do for king or hack.
Training perhaps some twisted branch aright;
Or sweeping faded autumn-leaves from sight
To foster embryo life; or binding back
Stray tendrils; or in ample bean-pod sack
Bringing wild honey from the rocky height;
Or fishing for a fly lest it should drown;
Or teaching water-lily heads to swim,
Fearful that sudden rain might make them sink;
Or dyeing the pale rose a warmer pink;
Or wrapping lilies in their leafy gown,.
Yet letting the white peep beyond the rim.

MLA

Rossetti, Christina. “Sonnet Written to Bouts-rimes (I fancy the good fairies dressed in white).” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rossetti_c/439/.

Chicago

Rossetti, Christina. “Sonnet Written to Bouts-rimes (I fancy the good fairies dressed in white).” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rossetti_c/439/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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