THE Dream-God brought me to a castle vast, Where magic fragrance reign'd and lights were gleaming, And through its mazy-winding chambers pass'd A chequer'd throng, still onward, onward streaming, The pale crowd seek the exit-portal fast, Wringing their hands, and full of terror screaming, And knights and maidens mingle in the throng, And I myself am with them borne along. But suddenly I stand alone, for, lo, The crowd hath vanish'd and from sight departed; I wander on, and through the chambers go, All strangely winding, silent and deserted; My foot is leaden, and I scarcely know How to escape, thus sadden'd and faint-hearted. At length the farthest portal I descry, And seek to pass -- great heavens, what meets mine eye! It was my love, who at the door did stand, Grief on her lips, her brow in tribulation. I sought to fly, -- she beckon'd with her hand, Whether to warn me, or in indignation; Yet gleam'd her eye like some sweet glowing brand, Setting my heart and brain in conflagration. And as she gazed with looks of passion deep, Blended with sternness, I awoke from sleep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IVY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON IDYLL 1. LAMENT FOR ADONIS by BION JEALOUSY by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE BALLAD by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR MESSIAH; A SACRED ECLOGUE IN IMITATION OF VIRGIL'S POLLIO by ALEXANDER POPE THE INDIAN'S WELCOME TO THE PILGRIM FATHERS by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY MUSIC IN THE NIGHT by HARRIET PRESCOTT SPOFFORD THE FLITCH OF BACON: MY OLD COMPLAINT (ITS CAUSE AND CURE) by WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH |