And fairest flowers of spring,

To thee a chosen victim will I slay—

A kid who, glowing in lascivious youth,

Just blooms with budding horn,

And, with vain thought elate,

Yet destines future war; but, ah! too soon

His reeking blood with crimson shall enrich

Thy pure, translucent flood

And tinge thy crystal clear.

Thy sweet recess the sun in midday hour