The Little Girl Lost

In futurity
     I prophetic see
     That the earth from sleep
     （Grave the sentence deep）
     Shall arise and seek
     For her Maker meek；
     And the desert wild
     Become a garden mild.
     In the southern clime，
     Where the summer's prime
     Never fades away，
     Lovely Lyca lay.
     Seven summers old
     Lovely Lyca told；
     She had wander'd 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 ache
     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 gamboll'd round
     O'er the hallow'd ground.
     Leopards， tigers， 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.