Lilian
1 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. 2 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 gather’d wimple Glancing with black-beaded eyes, Till the lightning laughters dimple The baby-roses in her cheeks; Then away she flies. 3 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. 4 Praying all I can, If prayers will not hush thee, Airy Lilian, Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee, Fairy Lilian.
First printed in 1830.Lilian - meaning Summary
Teasing Love and Frustration
The speaker addresses Lilian, a teasing, childlike woman whose fluttering laughter and evasive responses frustrate and torment him. Her innocent coquettishness—bright eyes, laughter, and quick departures—keeps the speaker yearning and unsettled. He pleads for a sign of sorrow to soothe his passion, then imagines crushing her like a rose-leaf if she will not be quiet. The poem mixes playful imagery with possessive longing and unease.
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