THE FAIRY MUSICIANS

The treble was a three-mouthed grasshopper,

Well-tutored by a skilful chorister:

An ancient master, that did use to play

The friskings which the lambs do dance in May.

And long time was the chiefest called to sing,

When on the plains the fairies made a ring;

Then a field-cricket, with a note full clean,

Sweet and unforced and softly sung the mean,

To whose accord, and with no mickle labour,

A pretty fairy played upon a tabor:

The case was of a hazel-nut, the heads

A bat's wing dressed, the snares were silver threads;

A little stiffened lamprey's skin did suit

All the rest well, and served them for a flute;

And to all these a deep well-breasted gnat,

That had good sides, knew well his sharp and flat,

Sung a good compass, making no wry face, ¯

Was there as fittest for a chamber-bass.

These choice musicians to their merry king

Gave all the pleasures which their art could bring.