The Nereids roam astounded Through submerged gardens, Swim in silent wonder into kitchens, Touch the eyes of marble busts that gaze Down long halls, under the wavering light. Dolphins churn through copses. Hunting their prey into oak trees, they shake out acorns That sink slowly. Wolves manage awhile, Resting their heads on drowned and floating sheep. Lions ride exhausted horses.
Tigers Try to mount foundering bullocks.
The strong stag's fine long legs, Growing weedier, tangle in undercurrents. The wild boar, the poor swimmer, soon goes under. Even his faithful heavy defenders, The thunderbolt and lightning-flash of his tusks, Have joined the weight against him. Birds grow tired of the air. The ocean, with nowhere else to go, Makes its bed in the hills, Pulling its coverlet over bare summits.