Classic Poem

A FANTASY

I DIPPED my face into the beryl sea,
And through the surf bells, ringing without cease,
I heard a mermaid sing from some sea cave:
" Down, down, come down, for here below is peace.
I will give you all my maiden charms
I will shower you with rose pink shells
I will gladly lie within your arms,
On bridal sand, lulled by the swells. "

" But, alas, mermaid, I cannot come below,
For down beneath the sea I cannot live. "
And she replied: " Down here is endless peace.
Drown, drown, come drown! Why stay above and strive?
Down here the weary mortals rest,
Down deep the cool sea currents lave;
You shall sleeping kiss my rounded breast,
On a coral couch, where sea fans wave;
You shall hold my white limbs, soft caressed,
In the opal gloom of a coral cave;
My lips on yours shall be warm pressed,
As you die — for aye! — in your coral grave! "