The Fairy Clock

Silver clock! O silver clock! tell to me the time o' day!     Is there yet a little hour left for us to work and play?     Tell me when the sun will set - tiny globe of silver-grey.     It has been so glad a world since the coming of the morn,     Oft I wondered when I met any souls who seemed forlorn -     And I scarce gave heed to those who were old or travel worn.     Mayhap I have loved too well the merry fleeting things;     Run too lightly with the wind - chased too many shining wings;     Thought too seldom of the night, and the silence that it brings.     Well I fear me I have been but an idler in the sun -     All unfinished are the tasks long and long ago begun -     In the dark perchance they weep, who have left their work undone.     And I know each black-frocked friar preacheth sermons that, alas!     Fain would halt the dancing feet of those careless ones who pass     Down a sweet and primrose path, through the ribbons of the grass.     Silver-clock! O Silver-clock! It was only yesterday     Dandelions flecked the field, starry bright, and gold and gay;     You are but the ghost of one - little globe of silver-grey!     Tell me - tell me of the hour - for there is so much to do!     Is it early? Is it late? Fairy clock! 0 tell me true,     As I blow you down the wind, out upon a road of blue.