Classic Poem

The Dream-God brought me to a mansion vast
Gleaming with light, and sultry with perfumes;
Where streams of gay-clad guests were streaming fast
Through many a labyrinthine tortuous room.
With piteous cries, and hands to Heaven up-cast,
Towards the portals hastened page and groom;
Ladies and knights wheeled onwards with the throng,
And by the crowd I too was borne along.

But all at once I am alone, and lo!
The crowd has disappeared, to my amaze
Onward alone with speedy steps I go
Through all the chambers and their winding ways.
My foot is lead, my heart is fear and woe;
Dread not to find the door my heart dismays.
At length to the last door of all I draw—
Would pass it—God! who was it that I saw?

There at the door did my Beloved stand,
Care on her brow, and on her full lip pain;
She drove me back again with waving hand—
Was it in warning? was it in disdain?
Yet from her eyes a sweet glance darted, and
It flashed and thrilled alike thro' heart and brain.
As, strange and angered, from her eyes there broke
That look which yet was sweetness, I awoke.