Yet he withdrew; my waves were weak.
⁠He loitered on my banks awhile,
Shook my caresses from his cheek,
⁠And left me with a careless smile.

I let him leave; my tides were low.
⁠But, seeking succour of the Sea
At noon I felt the breakers flow
⁠Across the bar, and join with me.

I waited in the heat; at length
⁠Again he came to bathe alone,
Then, in the fulness of my strength,
⁠I caught and held him for my own!

His strong young arms apart he flung,
⁠His red lips cried, I had no care.
In eddies round his limbs I clung,
⁠And rippled in and out his hair.

I bore him downwards to the Sea,
⁠The white surf met us on the sand,
His beauty was made one with me
⁠Who saw and loved it on the land.

I laid him down upon the bar,
⁠Played with his hair, and kissed his eyes.
How cold these mortal lovers are!
⁠He sleeps and makes me no replies.