Benjamin Britten — Lilian

Airy, Fairy Lilian Flitting, fairy Lilian When I ask her if she love me Claps her tiny hands above me Laughing all she can; She'll not tell me if she love me Cruel little Lilian When my passion seeks Pleasance in love-sighs She, looking thro' and thro' me Thoroughly to undo me Smiling, never speaks: So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple From beneath her gathered wimple Glancing with black-bearded eyes Till the lightning laughters dimple Thе baby-roses in her cheeks; Then away shе flies Prythee weep, May Lilian! Gaiety without eclipse Wearieth me, May Lilian; Thro' my very heart it thrilleth When from crimson-threaded lips Silver-treble laughter trilleth: Prythee weep, May Lilian! Praying all I can If prayers will not hush thee Airy Lilian Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee Fairy Lilian Cruel little Lilian