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.