With tiptoe step and beating heart,
Quite softly I drew nigh:
There was mischief in his merry face;-
A twinkle in his eye.
He hammered and sang with tiny voice,
And drank his mountain dew,
And I laughed to think he was caught at last:
But the fairy was laughing too!
As quick as thought I seized the elf;
"Your fairy purse!" I cried;
"That purse!" he said- "tis in her hand"-
"That lady at your side!"
I turned to look: the elf was off!
Then what was I to do?
O' I laughed to think what a fool I'd been;
And the fairy was laughing too!!
- from an old Irish ballad/song -