Moses on the Nile
(A Fragment Translated by W. H. Blumenthal.)
“ My sisters, come away— The wave is freshest in the brightening morn; The harvesters are silently at rest; No stir of life from river bank is borne; Confused sounds murmuring Memphis on her quest;— So let us chastely play By grove where naught shall stray But light of new-born day.
“ One sees all arts to shine Within my sire’s palace; yet thy fair shore Decked with sweet flowers, more mine eyes doth charm Than gold or porphyry in priceless store; The carol of song birds my heart doth warm;— To perfumes that are mine Burned at my sacred shrine,— Is zephyr’s breath divine.
“ So, sisters, let us go,— The sparkling stream is calm; the sky is blue; Ungird your zones, your azure robes cast down;— Joyous I wish to be this day with you;— Take off mine jealous veil and sapphire crown. To lave your limbs then go Into the waves that flow Murmuring past so low.