I love a girl, but she lives over there

on the too far side of the River.

A whole Nile at floodstage rages between,

and a crocodile hunched on the sand

Keeps motionless guard at the crossing.

Still I go down to the water,

Stride out into the waves-

how is it

Desire can soar in the wrench of this current,

rough water be tame as my fields?

Why she loves me! she loves me! hers is the love

anchors the shifting toeholds;

My charming girl whispered water magic

(crocodile sits spellbound)- O my love,

Where are you, whose hand

is so small yet has mastered the River?

-There, over there! already waiting,

right in the path of my burning eyes!

The only one dear to my heart,

and she crowns the shore like a queen!