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.