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NEREIA
Straight
He leapt to land, and clasp’d her as she stood.
And she, forgetting all the sun and sea,
Saw but his eyes, felt but his kiss, and knew
This was indeed her bridegroom. So they met.
But now a babble of voices rose around—
The wondering children shouting, and the maids
Down the white stairway flocking towards the twain,
Tumultuous with joy, to lead them in.
So then Nereia took her lover’s hand,
And led him to the palace. Very white
And snow-white was it, in the morning sun.
Only the almond blossom hung her veil,
Mazy and delicate, before the gates,
And, on the topmost terrace, oranges
Leant their gold shadowless discs, full-orb’d and bright,
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