The poem
In futurity I prophesy see. That the earth from sleep. (Grave the sentence deep)
Shall arise and seek For her maker meek: And the desart wild Become a garden mild.
In the southern clime, Where the summers prime Never fades away; Lovely Lyca lay.
Seven summers old Lovely Lyca told, She had wandered long. Hearing wild birds song.
Sweet sleep come to me Underneath this tree; Do father, mother weep.-- "Where can Lyca sleep".
Lost in desert wild Is your little child. How can Lyca sleep. If her mother weep.
If her heart does ake. Then let Lyca wake; If my mother sleep, Lyca shall not weep.
Frowning, frowning night, O'er this desert bright. Let thy moon arise. While I close my eyes.
Sleeping Lyca lay: While the beasts of prey, Come from caverns deep, View'd the maid asleep
The kingly lion stood And the virgin view'd: Then he gambolled round O'er the hallowed ground:
Leopards, tygers play, Round her as she lay; While the lion old, Bow'd his mane of gold,
And her bosom lick, And upon her neck, From his eyes of flame, Ruby tears there came;
While the lioness Loos'd her slender dress, And naked they convey'd To caves the sleeping maid.