Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
Thomas Hood 17991845The Water Lady
Hood-ThoA
To show what man should never see!
I saw a maiden on a stream,
And fair was she!
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow
With clouds of jet.
Her cheek, that wore in place of red
The bloom of water, tender blue,
Daintily spread.
Her parted lips if she would sing;
The waters clos’d above her face
With many a ring.
Alas, she never comes again!
I throw my flowers from the shore,
And watch in vain.
I know that I must vainly pine,
For I am made of mortal clay,
But she’s divine!