Chasing the Phantom

When reed and rush grew green, grew green,
And dews to hoar-frost changed,
One whom they speak of as " that man"
Somewhere the river ranged.
Upstream they went in quest of him,
A long and toilsome way;
Downstream they went in quest of him; —
In raid-stream there he lay!

When reed and rush grew tall, grew tall,
And dews lay yet undried,
He whom they speak of as " that man"
Was by the riverside.
Upstream they searched for him, along
The toilsome, deep defile;
Downstream again — and there he lay,
Midway, upon the isle!

When reed and rush were cut and gone,
And dews still lingered dank,
He whom they speak of as " that man"
Was on the river's bank.
Upstream they searched for him, along
The toilsome right-hand road;
Downstream, — and on the island there,
In mid-stream, he abode!