Behold the flashing waters A cloven dancing jet, That from the milk-white marble For ever foam and fret; Far off in drowsy valleys Where the meadow saffrons blow, The feet of summer dabble In their coiling calm and slow The banks are worn forever By a people sadly gay: A titan with loud laughter, Made them of fire clay Go ask the springing flowers, And the flowing air above, What are the twin-born waters, And they'll answer death and love
With wreaths of withered flowers Two lonely spirits wait With wreaths of withered flowers 'fore paradise's gate They may not pass the portal Poor earth-enkindled pair, Though sad is many a spirit To pass and leave them there Still staring at their flowers, That dull and faded are If one should rise beside thee, The other is not far Go ask the youngest angel, She will say with bated breath, By the door of mary's garden Are the spirits love and death