Once a Week (magazine)/Series 1/Volume 1/Fairy May

by Charles Woide Goodhart (attribution uncertain)

FAIRY MAY.

I.

ome hither, little Fairy May,
⁠My bride if you will be,
I’ll give you silks and satins bright
⁠Most beautiful to see;
I’ll bring you to my castle hall,
⁠’Mid lords and ladies gay:”
“No thank you, sir, I’d rather not,”
⁠Quoth little Fairy May!

II.

Says mother, “He’s a proper youth;
⁠Say yes, girl, there’s a dearie:”
“Say no, Miss Pride?” her father cried,
⁠“I’d only like to hear ye!”
But still, for all that they could do,
⁠And all that they could say,
“No thank you, sir; I’d rather not,”
⁠Quoth little Fairy May!

 

III.

“Come Fairy May, your words unsay,
⁠You silly little goosie!
You know within your heart of hearts,
⁠You wouldn’t like to lose me:
You’ll never see me here again,
⁠If once I go away:”
“Well, sir! and much I care for that!”
⁠Quoth little Fairy May.

 

IV.

“Lose such a prize!” her father cries,
⁠“Say yes—or else I’ll make ye!”
Her mother scolds—“A wilful chit!
⁠I’ve half a mind to shake ye!”
But still for all that they could do,
⁠And all that they could say,
“No thank you, sir, I’d rather not,”
⁠Quoth little Fairy May.

C. W. Goodhart.