G. W. Thornbury

Dirge on the Death of Oberon, the Fairy King

Toll the lilies' silver bells!

Oberon, the King, is dead!

In her grief the crimson rose

All her velvet leaves has shed.


Toll the lilies' silver bells!

Oberon is dead and gone!

He who looked an emperor

When his glow-worm crown was on.


Toll the lilies' silver bells!

Slay the dragonfly, his steed;

Dig his grave within the ring

Of the mushrooms in the mead.