Lily-Bell and Thistledown

"Awake! awake! for the earliest gleamOf golden sunlight shinesOn the rippling waves, that brightly flowBeneath the flowering vines.Awake! awake! for the low, sweet chantOf the wild-birds' morning hymnComes floating by on the fragrant air,Through the forest cool and dim;Then spread each wing,And work, and sing,Through the long, bright sunny hours;O'er the pleasant earthWe journey forth,For a day among the flowers.

"Awake! awake! for the summer windHath bidden the blossoms unclose,Hath opened the violet's soft blue eye,And wakened the sleeping rose.And lightly they wave on their slender stemsFragrant, and fresh, and fair,Waiting for us, as we singing comeTo gather our honey-dew there.Then spread each wing,And work, and sing,

Through the long, bright sunny hours;O'er the pleasant earthWe journey forth,For a day among the flowers."

"Bright shines the summer sun,Soft is the summer air;Gayly the wood-birds sing,Flowers are blooming fair.

"But, deep in the dark, cold rock,Sadly I dwell,Longing for thee, dear friend,Lily-Bell! Lily-Bell!"

"Through sunlight and summer airI have sought for thee long,Guided by birds and flowers,And now by thy song.

"Thistledown! Thistledown!O'er hill and dellHither to comfort theeComes Lily-Bell."