Part 5 (1/2)

DRYAD

Dryad, hidden in this tree!

Break your bonds and talk to me!

No one's watching, only peep From your cave! The town's asleep!

No one knows I stand here, so Come! for they will never know!

Tell me what you think of here When the moon is sharp and clear,

When the clouds are over you, When the ground is wet with dew.

Dryad, are you happy, say!

Do you like to live this way?

I will keep your secrets well, I will never, never tell!

Dryad, hidden in our tree, Come, oh, come and talk to me!

THE DUEL

Once a blotter met a blot In a still, secluded spot.

Here's the blotter, brave to see; But the blot--Oh, where is he?

THE LITTLEST CLOUD

O littlest cloud in all the blue, Don't go so fast, for, see, I'm just about the size of you!

Come down and play with me!

But oh, if that's the only way-- To come in raindrops, why, I'll stay here by myself and play!

I wouldn't have you cry!

PRINCES

Cinderella sitting in her dingy chimney corner, Delving in the ashes, with the smoke upon her eyes, With pots and kettles waiting, all her kinfolk by to scorn her, Longed perhaps to meet a prince, handsome, young, and wise.

Maybe Sleeping Beauty on her couch within the castle, While her golden hair crept down to touch her silent feet, Dreamed about a rider with a scarlet cap and ta.s.sel Who would hack away the hedge and cry, ”Awaken, sweet!”