Hylas
(After: J.W. Waterhouse)
Leaving his fellow-Argonauts hunting fresh food
Nearer the shore, (himself intent on water clean
And cool), he chanced upon a lily-flowered pool
Deep in the shady forest. As he filled his flask –
After first tasting that pure sweetness – to his side
Swam silently some naked naiads, whose svelte forms
Enchanted him so much his senses drowned his sense.
Putting aside his ship-soiled clothes, he quickly joined
The lovely creatures swimming in the pond’s green waves.
When he did not return the Argonauts made search –
Distraught huge Hercules urging them to more haste –
But found of their lost shipmate not a trace, except
His garments and the half-filled flask beside the water’s edge;
And voice-like murmurs mounting from the lilies and the sedge.
