On the walls of Venus's temple
The tale of Narcissus and Echo,
A beautiful young nymph,
Sentenced to repeat
The last words of the others
Never to talk first.
She fell in love with Narcissus
And followed him longing to speak.
He said «Who is here» and she replied «Here».
He called for her saying «Come»,
She just replied «Come».
As none came near, Narcissus
Called her again:
«Why do you shun me?»,
She could only say the same.
These words hurt deep.
His pride his actions leads.
«I would rather die
Than you should have me.»
Narcissus went forth
To a fountain in the north.
He kneeled down to drink
And then he fell in love.
He said «Who is here?»
His voice kept sounding «Here»
He called again the one,
That couldn't ever come.
His face was young and
In the crystal waters glowed
His smile was cold reflecting
Back a thought:
«I would rather die
Than you should have me.»