To a Waterlily

O WATERLILY,
Rendering stilly
A meek confession.
Sweet indiscretion,
In star-petals of heavenly white
Rayed forth from hidden gold of thy delight !
Candours revealing virgin gold of heart
That mellows linked snow of wings, apart
Where lowly lips
Dim glory lips
While vestal-reverent they half inurn
The shrine where holily thy flame doth burn :
Charming .soft air,
Enthralling waters fair
From wonted flowing strenuous intense.
Lingering soothed for thy dear confidence !
Silverly gleaming tenderly they wind ;
Tremulous all thy lily tale we find,
Pure tender tale thy soft white petals tell.
Glassed in their kindling bosom where it fell.
Faint airs inhume
Thy frail perfume !
Over thy green leaves, each a filmy boat,
Rimmed with mild light of water where they float,
Petals ray forth unruffled, pure from shame,
Inviolable thy virgin fame,
The soul of thee a heavenly flame,
Breathing stilly,
O waterlily !