once a ripple came to land

in the golden sunset burning —

lapped against a maiden’s hand,

by the ford returning.

dainty foot and gentle breast —

here, across, be glad and rest.

“maiden, wait,” the ripple saith.

“wait awhile, for i am death!”

“where my lover calls i go —

shame it were to treat him coldly —

’twas a fish that circled so,

turning over boldly.”

dainty foot and tender heart,

wait the loaded ferry-cart.

“wait, ah, wait!” the ripple saith;

“maiden, wait, for i am death!”

“when my lover calls i haste —

dame disdain was never wedded!”

ripple-ripple round her waist,

clear the current eddied.

foolish heart and faithful hand,

little feet that touched no land.

far away the ripple sped,

ripple — ripple — running red!