.
Once I was a prince in the land of Troy
A child of secrets made near river sill
And those fair lands I wandered since a boy
.
By hidden spring where river valley filled
There was by shady bank in secret cove
A water maiden dwelling in the rill
.
That quiet place I found there as I roved
Enchanted so, did I dare come to her
But startled she then vanished through the grove
.
To quick pursuit of lady I was spurred
That I not lose my longing to the night
But fast she fled and could not be deterred
.
And in her fright took deadly serpent's bite
And soon was lost to me forever more
So in my grief I ran swift to tall cliff site
.
To depths I cast myself from that high shore
But goddess Tethys rescued me and then
Changed me to bird who then would dive and soar