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FAIRY BOOK.
THE LOST SYLPHID.
"I tell the tale as 'twas told to me."
I have heard that one night, on a distant shore, a band of water-nixies were dancing to gentle music, their golden sandals twinkling like stars.
A lord and lady were walking on the same shore. The lord's eyes were bent on the ground; but his wife paused, and said,—
"Listen, my lord, to that enchanting music!"
"I hear no music," he replied, laughing. "You must wake up, dear wife.
"With half-shut eyes, ever you seem
Falling asleep in a half-dream.'"