OF all the birds the fairies love the skylark much

the best ;
They come with little fairy gifts to seek his hidden

nest ;
They praise his tiny slender feet and silken suit

of brown,
And with their gentle hands they smooth his

feathers softly down.

They cluster round with glowing cheeks and bright

expectant eyes,
Waiting the moment that shall bring the freedom

of the skies;
Waiting the double-sweet delight that only he can

give,
(Oh, kings might surely spurn their crowns to live

as fairies live).
To ride upon a skylark's back between his happy

wings,
To float upon the edge of heaven and listen while

he sings
The dreams of mortals scarce can touch so perfected

a bliss,

And even fairies cannot know a greater joy than
this.
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