1. Is it so, or is it a roiled rose whose bloom
Was scorched by a sweltering day and poisonous airs?

2. It became like erect unwithering reedgrass
In bloom still, nor soon overtaken by languor.

3. It was about to incline its stem and tumble
Down to a basin for the maidens' advent.

4. But no sooner it inclined than it saw what delighted it,
And the noon shade had shifted, so it remained bleak.

5. It revived and coiled itself where it could drink
With a company of visitors lingering.

6. Watered by overflow of watered, it became
In the morning fresh, flowing and lasting.

7. When it had its full draught of the cold water and shook off
From its breath something that burdened and troubled it,

8. It called out its name when it drank its fill, so
Light troops of maidens came, their plumage defiled.

9. With a walnut like the cheek of a village belle
Adorned at the ends with Indian aloes' spires.