Leda was wearied of her state, the crown was heavy on her head

LEDA was wearied of her state, the crown 
was heavy on her head ; 
She put the crown away, 
And ran down to the river-bed 
For a whole holiday. 

She came to draw free, lonely breaths beside 
the mellow, autumn pools ; 
Counting their starry drops. 
She mused on the lone god who rules 
Above the mountain-tops. 

And, as she worshipped him with secret heart, 
among the willow-trees 
She felt how something sailed 
And gathered round her as a breeze : 
The breath within her failed. 

There were white feathers on her breast when 
she awoke ; the water stirred 
With motion of white wings, 
And in her ear that note she heard 
The swan a-dying sings.