THE SWIMMER 



My hidden couch — nor the heaven above 



her — 

 As a strong love shielding a weary lover, 

 I would have her shield me with shining 



breast. 



When light in the realms of space lay hidden, 

 When life was yet in the womb of time, 



Ere flesh was fettered to fruits forbidden. 

 And souls were wedded to care and crime, 



Was the course foreshaped for the future 

 spirit — 



A burden of folly, a void of merit — 



That would fain the wisdom of stars inherit, 

 And cannot fathom the seas sublime ? 



Under the sea or the soil (what matter? 



The sea and the soil are under the sun), 

 As in the former days in the latter 



The sleeping or waking is known of none. 



Surely the sleeper shall not awaken 



To griefs forgotten or joys forsaken, 



For the price of all things given and taken, 



The sum of all things done and undone. 



i8i 



