Page:The Wonderful Fairies of the Sun.djvu/55



HEN the world is calmly sleeping, Through the quiet summer nights, From the Forest’s depths come creeping Swarms of tiny Nymphs and Sprites. Moving slowly, all on tip-toe, At the Forest’s edge they stay. Till the last hues of the daylight O’er the hill-tops fade away.

Then across the fields they scamper, Each one carrying on his back Various tools to do his work with, Done up in a cobweb sack. Some have bedding for the Insects, Gowns and nightcaps for the Birds; Monstrous music-books, containing Lullabies that have no words.

Others carry tiny cradles For the little baby Toads; While behind the rest come rushing Many Gnomes with curious loads. There are Barrels, Tanks, and Bottles Filled with dew, clear to the brinks; And these Gnomes, with silver goblets Give the Flowers their evening drinks.