NEREIA
But the white bird flew swiftly o’er the sea
Even to the palace steps. Full near it came,
And lo! it was a pinnace that she saw,
With pearly sails, and with a well-carv’d prow
That bore the semblance of a maiden’s face.
Then up she sprang, and stretch’d her fair arms wide
In joyful expectation, all untouch’d
By shadow of fear; Nereia knew not fear;
And in her rapture cried aloud, and woke
The sleeping maids and children at her feet,
Crying with joy, “O Love! My Love!” No less
The new-born waves, delighting in the voice
That was their sister’s, raced each other swift
Back from the shore to the fair-carven prow,
Chiming in crystal choruses her words
Clearly; and there was one who heeded them.
But when the boat sped nearer, and the sand
Grew silvery ’neath the shallowing blue waves,
120
