The Fairies in the Brain May Be the Causes of Many Thoughts.

When we have pious thoughts and think of heaven,
Yet go about, not ask to be forgiven,
Perchance they’re1 preaching, or a chapter saying,
Or on their knees they are devoutly2 praying.
When we are sad, and know no reason why,                            5
Perchance it is because some there do die,
And some place may i’th’head be3 hung with black,
Which makes us dull, yet know not what we lack.
Our fancies which in verse or prose we put
May pictures be, which they do draw or4 cut,                         10
And when these fancies fine and thin do show,5
They may be graven in seal, for ought we know.6
When we have cross7 opinions in the mind,
Then we may them in schools disputing8 find.
When we of childish toys do think, a fair9                               15
May be i’th’brain, where crowds of fairies are,10
And in each stall11 may all such knacks be sold,
As rattles, bells, or bracelets made12 of gold;
Pins, whistles, and the like may13 be bought there,
And thus within the head may be a fair.                                  20
And when14 our brain with amorous thoughts is stayed,15
Perhaps there is a bride and bridegroom made,16
And when our thoughts are merry, humours17 gay,
There may be18 dancing on their wedding day.

  1. they’re] their 1653
  2. they are devoutly] devoutly they are 1653
  3. may i’th’head be] in the Head is 1653
  4. May pictures be, which they do draw or] Are Pictures which they draw, or Figures 1653
  5. these fancies fine and thin do show,] those fancies are both fine, and thin, 1653
  6. They may be graven in seal, for ought we know.] Then they ingraven are in seale, or ring. 1653
  7. cross] gross 1668
  8. Then we may them in schools disputing] They in the Schooles disputing we shall 1653
  9. a fair] upon, 1653
  10. May be i’th’brain, where crowds of fairies are,] A Fayre may be whereto those people throng, 1653
  11. each stall] those stalles 1653
  12. rattles, bells, or bracelets made] Bels, and Rattles, or bracelets 1653
  13. Pins, whistles, and the like may] Or Pins, Pipes, Whistles are to 1653
  14. And when] When that 1653
  15. is stayed,] doth run, 1653
  16. Perhaps there is a bride and bridegroom made,] Are marrying there a Bride with her Bride-groom. 1653
  17. are merry, humours] all Merry be and 1664; all merry be, and 1668
  18. There may be] Then they are 1653