Black swans, like a sad procession,
O'er the wave their journey take,
Following the sun's last glimmer
Out across the darkening lake.

Sable, as though flames had blackened,
Is their feathery garment's hue;
Silent beaks of blood-bright purple
Show their fiery nature too.

White swans tamely by the margin
Circle where the crumbs alight.
Forth unto the deep, ye black ones;
Forth, ye glowing brood of night!