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.”

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