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 princésses, 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 new-born 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.…
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