Where the dark waters lave, 
Where the tall rushes wave, 
Safe from rude winds that rave, 
Floats the fair lily ; 
White as my sweetheart's breast, 
Pure as her dreamings blest, 
Lying in cradled rest, 
When night is stilly.
 
Oft wooing comes the bee 
On light wings eagerly, 
Leaving the pleasant lea 
Luscious with clover ; 
Then to her heart of gold, 
'Mid petals half unrolled, 
Fond doth the lily fold 
The amorous rover. 

Sweetheart, within thine arms 
Fold me with all thy charms, 
Safe from more rude alarms 
Than thy heart's beating. 
Let the sweet lily be 
Emblem for thee and me ; 
Be thou as kind as she 
In thy fond greeting !