A sleeping apartment. A night lamp stands upon a table, and shines upon the face of the husband sleeping beside his wife.
The Man (still sleeping). Ha! whence comest thou? I have neither heard nor seen thee for months—for years.
As water softly flows, so flow thy feet, two white waves!
A holy calm is on thy brow—all that I have ever dreamed—have ever loved—unite in thee!
Awaking suddenly.
Where am I?... Ha! I am sleeping by my wife—yes, that is my wife—
Gazing long upon her.
Ah! I once thought thou wert my early Dream—but thou art it not;—after years of time, it has returned to me—and is not thee, Mary, nor like thee!
Thou art mild, pure, good—but she....