Fairy Changeling and Other Poems — What Will You Give?

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE?

What will you give me, if I will wed?

"A golden gown To come sweetly down, And deck you from foot to head."

How will you keep me, if I am cold?

"By a heart so warm, The bravest storm Dare not force through my strong hands' hold."

How will you please me, if I should thirst?

"Why by the rape Of the purple grape, Which the summer and sun have nursed."

If I should hunger what may I eat?

"For you the skies The falcon flies, And the hounds on the stag are fleet."

How can you comfort when fair youth dies, When the spirit's fain For a purer gain, Than the satisfied flesh supplies?