The Kéen Kéa

Reed and rush are dark and green ;
Py. As hoar-frost the white dew is seen.
Him, the man I have in mind,
By this water I should find.
Searching, up the stream I haste,
On a long and toilsome quest. .
Downwards then I turn, and see !
In the mid-stream standeth he.
He is there but far removed ;
Vain has all my searching proved”

Reed and rush luxuriant rise ;
Still undried the white dew lies.
Him, the man I have in mind,
On the stream’s edge I should find.
Upwards first my course I keep,
Though the way is rough and steep.
Downwards then, and what to see?
In the mid-stream standeth he,
On the islet, far removed ;—
Vain has all my searching proved.

Reed and rush grow thick and tall ;
Ceases not the dew to fall.
Him, the man I have in mind,
On the stream’s bank I should find.
Upwards first I go along,
But the hard path leads me wrong.
Downwards then my steps I turn,
And in mid-stream him discern,
On the island, far removed ;—
Vain has all my searching proved.