Fish in the Unruffled Lakes

The swarming colours wear,

Swans in the winter air

A white perfection have,

And the great lion walks

Through his innocent grove;

Lion, fish, and swan

Act, and are gone

Upon Time’s toppling wave.

We, till shadowed days are done,

We must weep and sing

Duty’s conscious wrong,

The Devil in the clock,

The Goodness carefully worn

For atonement or for luck;

We must lose our loves,

On each beast and bird that moves

Turn an envious look.

Sighs for folly said and done

Twist our narrow days;

But I must bless, I must praise

That you, my swan, who have

All gifts that to the swan

Impulsive Nature gave,

The majesty and pride,

Last night should add

Your voluntary love.