Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FAIRY'S GIFT, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FAIRY'S GIFT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Over the little one's cradle
Last Line: She found the heart of a friend.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs.
Subject(s): Children; Courts & Courtiers; Friendship; Love; Childhood


OVER the little one's cradle
The fairies were bending, to see
How like to a beautiful fairy
A child of the earth could be.

"What shall we do for the baby?"
Whispered the Elfin queen.
"I 'll give her the loveliest dimples,"
Said one, "that ever were seen."

"I 'll kiss," said another softly,
"Her feet so slender and small,
And ever on beautiful errands
Their lightsome steps shall fall."

"Mine shall be fairer treasure:
I 'll give her, for a spell,
A hand like pearl, with rosy tips,
Like the inner side of a shell;

"With a touch as soft as a zephyr's,
The flaxen curls between,
I'll dower thee royally, little one."
Then spoke the Fairy Queen,—

"The years shall bring thee changes,
But ever, in storm or shine,
The power of winning hearts, dear,
And holding them fast, be thine."

A rustle as light as a rose-leaf's,
That drops from a rose o'erblown,
And the silken wings of the fairies
From cradle and babe were flown.

She grew into grace and beauty;
And the bright years, one by one,
Brought that to the soul of the maiden
Which the peach wins from the sun.

She left her youth behind her,
And the dead leaves round her fell,
The snow came down, and the winter wind,
With many a moaning swell;

But she kept the gift of the Fairy—
The beautiful gift—to the end;
And whenever her heart touched another
She found the heart of a friend.





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