So I once thought! Oh, once my very soul
Was filled and thrilled with dreaming of that role.
Life seemed so wonderful; it held for me
No purpose, no ambition, but to be
Loving and loved. My highest thought of fame
Was some day bearing my dear lover’s name.
Alone, I ofttimes uttered it aloud,
Or wrote it down, half timid, and all proud
To see myself lost utterly in him:
As some small star might joy in growing dim
When sinking in the sun; or as the dew,
Forgetting the brief little life it knew
In space, might on the ocean’s bosom fall
And ask for nothing—only to give all.
Now, that’s the talk—it’s music to my ear
After that stuff on ‘art’ and a ‘career.’
I hope she’ll keep it up.
Maiden (continuing her reverie)
Again my dream
Shaped into changing pictures. I would seem
To see myself in beautiful array
Move down the aisle upon my wedding day;
And then I saw the modest living-room
With lighted lamp, and fragrant plants in bloom,
And books and sewing scattered all about,
And just we two alone.
Cupid (in glee aside)
There’s not a doubt
I’ll land her yet!
Maiden
My dream kaleidoscope
Changed still again, and framed love’s dearest hope—
The trinity of home; and life was good
And all its deepest meaning understood.
[Sits lost in a dream. Behind scenes a voice sings a lullaby, ‘Beautiful Land of Nod.’ Cupid in ecstasy tiptoes about and clasps his hands in delight.]