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William Allingham - The Maids Of Elfin-Mere
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When the spinning-room was here
    Came Three Damsels, clothed in white,
    With their spindles every night;
    One and Two and three fair Maidens,
    Spinning to a pulsing cadence,
    Singing songs of Elfin-Mere;
    Till the eleventh hour was toll`d,
    Then departed through the wold.
          Years ago, and years ago;
    And the tall reeds sigh as the wind doth blow.

    Three white Lilies, calm and clear,
    And they were loved by every one;
    Most of all, the Pastor`s Son,
    Listening to their gentle singing,
    Felt his heart go from him, clinging
    Round these Maids of Elfin-Mere.
    Sued each night to make them stay,
    Sadden`d when they went away.
          Years ago, and years ago;
    And the tall reeds sigh as the wind doth blow.

    Hands that shook with love and fear
    Dared put back the village clock,—
    Flew the spindle, turn`d the rock,
    Flow`d the song with subtle rounding,
    Till the false `eleven` was sounding;
    Then these Maids of Elfin-Mere
    Swiftly, softly, left the room,
    Like three doves on snowy plume.
          Years ago, and years ago;
    And the tall reeds sigh as the wind doth blow.

    One that night who wander`d near
    Heard lamentings by the shore,
    Saw at dawn three stains of gore
    In the waters fade and dwindle.
    Never more with song and spindle
    Saw we Maids of Elfin-Mere,
    The Pastor`s Son did pine and die;
    Because true love should never lie.
          Years ago, and years ago;
    And the tall reeds sigh as the wind doth blow.
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