Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Dewdrop, Wind and SunJoseph Skipsey (1832–1903)
As rare a pearl did I appear,
As ever grew in ocean shell,
To dangle at a Helen’s ear.
Arose and swept me to the ground,
When, in a jewel of the past,
Earth but a drop of water found.
‘Queen Pearl ’s our equal—nay,
A fairer far am I,’ May Dewdrop said,
As Sol at break of day
Did kiss the sparkler on her grass-blade bed.
‘None,’ Sol still kissing answer’d, when alas!
The proud one turn’d to mist,
And with her pride did into Lethe pass.