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Extending many a rood ;* broad dark-luied leaves. 
Clothing the bosom of the water clear. 
And gently heaving up and down, as though 
Her breathing thus disturbed them. ’Midst these rise. 
In pure and stately beauty, urn-like forms. 
Just ’bove the water’s height; some, not unclosed. 
Are tinged with tenderest green; while others spread 
Full to the warm down-gazing sun their deep. 
White, sculpture-like, and softly-glowing cups 
Of modelled petals, lit up from within 
By one large anthered star of golden flame : 
And, leaning on the dark green leaves, they lie. 
These lovely, nymph-like Lilies,—looking up 
In worship and in love imto the sun. 
On whom alone they smile; for when he goes 
From his blue mid-day 2 )alace over head. 
And the ti’ees cast long shadows on the lake. 
The loving water nymphs, no longer joyed 
By the bright presence of their radiant god. 
Fold their rich snowy robes, and, bending low. 
Suffer the waves to sing a lullahy 
Over their sleeping heads. 
When morning’s beam 
Looks gaily o’er the earth, the Lilies lift 
Slowly above the waters their fair forms. 
* “Lay floating Tiiany a rood.”— Milton. 
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