So real in sleep the shadows seem,
So near and intimate the theme,
In sooth, I know not how it seem
Which is the dream within the dream.

So dim in day do red suns gleam,
So mistily does sunlight stream,
So like a dream that dreamers dream,
In sooth, I know not which it seem.

Whether a dreamer dream or no,
To dreams both dream and dreamer go—
And not by sleep may waking deem
Which is the dream within the dream.