Depths of the Sea (1881) Edward Burne-Jones
The Depths of the Sea
I took this man from all that’s light,
My arm about his body tight
I pressed him with my charms.
My love secured this land-bred man
To harbor in my arms.
I saw him kick towards the boat,
As all about him bent and broke,
I didn’t see his face.
I caught him by his striking legs
And brought him to my place.
His eyes and mouth were open wide,
Plunging, plunging deep inside
The darkening waters, cold.
Exertion made his body hot,
I love this man I hold.
The last one was a beauty too,
How I cried when I ruined you.
The sea consumed my men.White shells that line my pretty home
Are all that’s left of them.
This time, this time, I feel so sure,
Your love, your beauty must endure,
You answer with a sigh.
And cool and cease like the ones before,
As I begin to cry.
