XIV.
The evening shades are falling,
The sea-fog spreads with night.
Mysterious waters are calling,
There rises something white.
The mermaid comes from the ocean,
Beside me sitting down;
Her white breast's breathing motion,
I see through the gossamer gown.
And she doth clasp and hold me,
In passionate, painful way.
Too close thou dost enfold me,
Thou lovely water fay!
"Within mine arms I hide thee,
With all my strength enfold,
I warm myself beside thee,
The night is far too cold."
Paler the moon is growing
Through shadowy vapors gray.
Thine eyes with tears are flowing,
Thou lovely water fay!
"With tears they are not flowing.
As I from waves did rise,
Forth from the ocean going,
A drop fell in mine eyes."
The sea-mews moan, entreating,
What does the mad surf say?
Thy heart is wildly beating,
Thou lovely water fay.
"My heart is beating sadly
And wild as ever it can,
Because I love thee madly,
Thou lovely son of man."