I.
I saw her, though with earnest eyes bent low,
Unheedful of the violets at her feet,
That clustering in purple fragrance sweet
Touched her white dress; absorbed in revery so,
She knew not that the morning sunshine’s glow
Was for her sake; and robins, fain to greet
So fair a lady with a love-song meet,
No recognition won from her below.
O dreamer of a dream thy heart shall see
Crowned with fulfillment when the dawn of day
Has deepened into noontide’s richer gleam,—
Lest I too rudely should awaken thee,
With hushed and reverent step I steal away,
Praying God bless the dreamer and the dream!