A Dream Pang

I HAD withdrawn in forest, and my song

Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway;

And to the forest edge you came one day

( This was my dream ) and looked and pondered long,

But did not enter, though the wish was strong:

You shook your pensive head as who should say,

‘ I dare not — too far in his footsteps stray —

He must seek me would he undo the wrong.

Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all

Behind low boughs the trees let down outside;

And the sweet pang it cost me not to call

And tell you that I saw does still abide.

But‘ tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof,

For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.