The poem
I Airy, Fairy Lilian, Flitting, fairy Lilian, When I ask her if she love me, Claps her tiny hands above me, Laughing all she can; She 'll not tell me if she love me, Cruel little Lilian.
II When my passion seeks Pleasance in love-sighs, She, looking thro' and thro' me Thoroughly to undo me, Smiling, never speaks: So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple, From beneath her gathered wimple Glancing with black-bearded eyes, Till the lightning laughters dimple The baby-roses in her cheeks; Then away she flies.
III Prythee weep, May Lilian! Gaiety without eclipse Whearieth me, May Lilian; Thro' my every heart it thrilleth When from crimson-threaded lips Silver-treble laughter trilleth: Prythee weep, May Lilian!
IV Praying all I can, If prayers will not hush thee, Airy Lilian, Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee, Fairy Lilian.
this poem is about his true love who he could not be with. they would be engaged but then she would leave him when he lost his money and whenhe gained it back she would come back also.