Lilian by Benjamin Britten Lyrics

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