A DREAM

I dreamed, and lo! upon the silent earth

( That ever swings, as from its misty birth ),

I kinless stood! and all the streams that erst

In joyous measure sang me forth their tale

Sank to a murmur; even while there burst

Upon mine eyes that straightway turned me pale!

I looked and wondered, and I grew as chill

As though their fated touch had froze my blood;

As far beyond that living, green-clad hill,

In breathless awe, mine eyes were turned, I stood

Appalled! Forth from the bosom of the deep

There rose a wondrous chain of towering cliffs,

Clear as the lake upon whose mirror sleep

Light-poised, all tenderly the skiffs;

While rays of light played o'er their polished sides,

As slowly rose and sank they on the tides.

Kissed by the sun they grew; their colors’ sheen

Of rose and emerald-touched tips; between

The amethyst deepened to a royal tone

Of purple, and I stood and gazed, alone!

I knew that naught of earth was left save me

To look upon that strange and glorious sea!

And, as I gazed, wild flames leapt up to seize

The iceberg's glow and melt it to their will:

Naught could their hungry rage of greed appease,

While luridly and sullen burned they still,

What, then, does it portray — this onslaught fierce

Of flames upon these sunlit cliffs of ice,

If it be not that Evil seeks to pierce

The armor thrown about the soul's device;

The powers that wage unceasing war,

And ever seek to gain what lies afar

Above them! “Souls of just men perfect made,”

“Yield not,” I cried, “for here a mortal stands

“Alone and helpless in these alien lands;

“And yet on mortal lips, I know, is laid

“The burden of a knowledge far above

“All thought of human gain or human love!”

And crying thus, I woke, nor ever knew

If to fruition my bright vision grew.