III Over hill, over dale Thorough bush, thorough brier Thorough flood, thorough fire I do wander every where, In those freckles live their savours: XXIV LULLABY YOU spotted snakes with double tongue, Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen; Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong, Come not near our fairy Queen! Weaving spiders, come not here; Beetles black, approach not near; Philomel, with melody Sing in our sweet lullaby; Lulla, lulla, lullaby, Lulla, lulla, lullaby : Never harm Nor spell nor charm Come our lovely lady nigh: So, Good Night, with lullaby. XXV THE FAIRY BLESSING NOW the hungry lion roars And the wolf behowls the moon, Whilst the heavy ploughman snores, All with weary task fordone. Now the wasted brands do glow, Whilst the screech-owl, screeching loud, Puts the wretch that lies in woe In remembrance of a shroud. Now it is the time of night That the graves all gaping wide, Every one lets forth his sprite In the church-way paths to glide: And we Fairies, that do run By the triple Hecate's team From the presence of the sun, Following darkness like a dream, Now are frolic: not a mouse Shall disturb this hallow'd house : I am sent with broom before, To sweep the dust behind the door. Through the house give glimmering light, By the dead and drowsy fire : Every elf and fairy sprite Hop as light as bird from brier ; And this ditty, after me, First, rehearse your song by rote, Now, until the break of day, Which by us shall blesséd be; And the issue there create Ever shall be fortunate! So shall all the couples three And the blots of Nature's hand Shall not in their issue stand; Shall upon their children be. With this field-dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gait : And each several chamber bless, Through this palace, with sweet peace; And the owner of it blest Ever shall in safety rest. Trip away; make no stay; Meet me all by break of day. |