the moonlight fades from flower and tree,

and the stars dim one by one;

the tale is told, the song is sung,

and the fairy feast is done.

the night-wind rocks the sleeping flowers,

and sings to them, soft and low.

the early birds erelong will wake:

't is time for the elves to go.

o'er the sleeping earth we silently pass,

unseen by mortal eye,

and send sweet dreams, as we lightly float

through the quiet moonlit sky;—

for the stars' soft eyes alone may see,

and the flowers alone may know,

the feasts we hold, the tales we tell:

so 't is time for the elves to go.

from bird, and blossom, and bee,

we learn the lessons they teach;

and seek, by kindly deeds, to win

a loving friend in each.

and though unseen on earth we dwell,

sweet voices whisper low,

and gentle hearts most joyously greet

the elves where'er they go.

when next we meet in the fairy dell,

may the silver moon's soft light

shine then on faces gay as now,

and elfin hearts as light.

now spread each wing, for the eastern sky

with sunlight soon will glow.

the morning star shall light us home:

farewell! for the elves must go.

as the music ceased, with a soft, rustling sound the elves spread their shining wings, and flew silently over the sleeping earth; the flowers closed their bright eyes, the little winds were still, for the feast was over, and the fairy lessons ended.