Water-Lillies

Unwedded from the world, I stray through trees To where a pool lies mirrored in the sun A disk of polished gold that I have won With labours not unknown to Hercules. Slender they bathe, all naked as a breeze, Their nipples hollow and their hair undone, While from their widespread thighs cool ripples run To rock the water-lilies round their knees. Nymphs of the fountains, naiads innocent, Frail sunbeams who have passed between my arms So beautiful in your imprisonment, Fill now my soul with symbols of delight: Soft voices and soft fingers and soft charms And the perfume of the lotus in the night.