Love and death

Behold the flashing waters
A cloven dancing jet
That from the milk-white marble
For ever foam and fret

Far off in drowsy valleys
Where the meadow saffrons blow
The feet of summer dabble
In their coiling calm and slow

The banks are worn forever
By a people sadly gay
A titan with loud laughter
Made them of fire and clay

Go ask the springing flowers
And the flowing air above
What are the twin-born waters
And they'll answer death and love

With wreaths of withered flowers
Two lonely spirits wait
With wreaths of withered flowers
'Fore paradise's gate

They may not pass the portal
Poor earth-enkindled pair
Though sad is many a spirit
To pass and leave them there

Still staring at their flowers
That dull and faded are
If one should rise beside thee
The other is not far

Go ask the youngest angel
She will say with bated breath
By the door of Mary's garden
Are the spirits love and death