To Narcissus

I have no beauty that is all my own, No special loveliness carved out of me, No glowing images wrought perfectly, Splendour of flesh or delicacy of bone. I am a pool, wherein you shall be shown How wonderful and starlike you can be, I am a mirror so that you may see Yourself most intimately and alone.

When you lean to me and a dear, swift grace Sways in my body, and my lips and eyes Grow suddenly and exquisitely calm — Oh tremble and look deep into my face And see your own there, marvel and grow wise, Touch me and cry, " How beautiful I am ! "