C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
George Darley (1795–1846)
Song of the Fairy Peddler
L
No peddler has such a rich packet as I.
Of purple fold,
Embroidered down
The seams with gold?
See here! A tulip richly laced
To please a royal fairy’s taste!
Of crimson grand?
By great good hap
I’ve one on hand;
Look, sir! A cock’s-comb, flowering red:
’Tis just the thing, sir, for your head!
Of vestal hue?
Or snowy smock?
Fair maid, do you?
O me! a lady’s smock so white,—
Your bosom’s self is not more bright.
A slender limb?
I’ve every sort
Of hose for him—
Both scarlet, striped, and yellow ones:
This woodbine makes such pantaloons!
A box of paint?
’Twill give a blush
Yet leave no taint:
This rose with natural rouge is filled,
From its own dewy leaves distilled.
You never will meet such a merchant as I!