Act 2 — A RIPPLE SONG
Reading edition
Once a ripple came to land In the golden sunset burning— Lapped against a maiden's hand, By the ford returning.
Dainty foot and gentle breast— Here, across, be glad and rest. 'Maiden, wait,' the ripple saith; 'Wait awhile, for I am Death!'
'Where my lover calls I go— Shame it were to treat him coldly— 'Twas a fish that circled so, Turning over boldly.'
Dainty foot and tender heart, Wait the loaded ferry-cart. 'Wait, ah, wait!' the ripple saith; 'Maiden, wait, for I am Death!'
'When my lover calls I haste— Dame Disdain was never wedded!' Ripple-ripple round her waist, Clear the current eddied.
Foolish heart and faithful hand, Little feet that touched no land. Far away the ripple sped, Ripple—ripple—running red!