Watermaid

Down the winding lane

Where the dogs are laying

And the breeze is blowing

Through the corn growing

In the shady tree

It occurred to me

As the afternoon

Brought out the moon

To walk the valley slow

Through the thunder go

By the mountainside

Where the rain hides

Where the river tops

The willow mops

On a summer's day

I lost my way

Up a beryl stream

Into a dream

By the draping edge

I made a bed

And awoke to see

Caring over me

The curly braids

Of a watermaid

Into the mere

She drew me near

I mistook the sound

Of sinking down

For the whisper she made

A kiss she gave

Her caressing hand

For the sinking sand

I was nearly deceived

In enchantment weaved

Nearly laid

In the water grave

But love words my arms

Broke the charm

And carried home

In the deeping gloam

My darling found

With love i bound

Removed the curse

I sang the verse

For i caught

The river daughter

By me she'll dwell

In the water well