Once a ripple came to land In the golden sunset burning--Lapped against a maiden's hand, By the ford returning.
Dainty foot and gentle breast--
Here, across, be glad and rest.
"Maiden, wait," the ripple saith.
"Wait awhile, for I am Death!"
"Where my lover calls I go--
Shame it were to treat him coldly--
'Twas a fish that circled so, Turning over boldly."Dainty foot and tender heart, Wait the loaded ferry-cart.
"Wait, ah, wait!" the ripple saith;
"Maiden, wait, for I am Death!"
"When my lover calls I haste-
Dame Disdain was never wedded!"
Ripple-ripple round her waist, Clear the current eddied.
Foolish heart and faithful hand, Little feet that touched no land.
Far away the ripple sped, Ripple--ripple--running red!
