The Water Lily

Where the dark waters lave,

Where the tall rushes wave,

Safe from rude winds that rave,

Floats the fair lily;

White as my sweetheart's breast,

Pure as her dreamings blest,

Lying in cradled rest,

When night is stilly.

Oft wooing comes the bee

On light wings eagerly,

Leaving the pleasant lea

Luscious with clover;

Then to her heart of gold,

'Mid petals half unrolled,

Fond doth the lily fold

The amorous rover.

Sweetheart, within thine arms

Fold me with all thy charms,

Safe from more rude alarms

Than thy heart's beating.

Let the sweet lily be

Emblem for thee and me;

Be thou as kind as she

In thy fond greeting!