By spell of faun or fay.

On the island's edge, midst tangled sedge,
Lay a wreath of wild flow'rs blue--
The broad flag-leaf was their sweet relief,
When the heat too fervid grew;
And the willow's shade a shelter made,
When stormy tempests blew.

And as they stood, the faithful flood
Gave back ev'ry line and trace
Of earth below and heaven above,
And their own forms gallant grace--
For forms more fair than that lovely pair
Ne'er shone on its liquid face.

"I would a flower from that bright bower
Some nymph would waft to me--
For in my eyes a dearer prize
Than glitt'ring gem 'twould be--
For its changeless blue seems emblem true
Of love's own constancy."

The maiden spake, and no more the lake
In slumb'ring stillness lay,
For from the side of his destin'd bride
The knight has pass'd away;
In vain the maid's soft words essay'd
His rash pursuit to stay.