XIII THE FOREST RIVER

I BATHED myself, alone, in the forest river. I am sure I frightened the naiads for I divined them moving anxiously far within the dark water.

I called them. To resemble them better, I plaited upon my neck irises black as my hair and branches of yellow gilliflowers.

Of a long floating grass I made myself a green girdle and, to see it, I pressed up my breasts and inclined my head a little.

And I called: “Naiads! naiads! play with me, be kind.” But the naiads are transparent, and perhaps, without knowing, I have caressed their delicate arms.