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NARCISSI

The bended neck sloped downward from the headLike some arched flower's stem, into a cloakOf mellow white, just of his peplum's hue.He leaned to kiss the nymph,—the image broke,A shivering thing that rippled out of view.He drew away—again the face returned,The loveliest features that he yet had seen;He panted for the naiad, his arms burnedTo clasp the cager love, who seemed to leanWith wide, taut arms and all-inviting faceAs if to drag him down to the embrace.
III.He gazed around—no spiers. Then he flungHis creamy peplum on a low-grown limb,Stripped down his sandals, and slipped off and hungHis chiton where it made a screen for him.He poised, a supple javelin, aboveThe grassy margin,—and he saw the nymphPoise in the pool below, beckoning his loveInto the pleasant depths of the still lymph.A leap, and he was one with pool and lover;

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