The Swan.

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6746, 2 January 1932, Page 11

The Swan.

And bright and silvery the willows sleep Over the shady verge—no mad winds tease Their hoary heads; tat quietly they weep Thoir sprinkling leaves—half fountains and half trees: Their lilies be—and fairer than all these, A solitary swan her breast of snow Launches against the wave that seems to freezo Into a chaste reflection, still below, Twin shadow of hcrsolf wherever eho may go.

And forth she paddles in the very noon Of solemn midnight, like an elfln thing Charmed into being by the argent moon— Whoso silver light for love of her fair wing Goes with her in the shade, still worshipping Her dainty plumage—all round her grew A radiant circlet, like a fairy ring; And all behind, a tiny little clue Of light, to guide her back across the waters blue. Thomas Hood.