I Dreamed of Forest Alleys fair

I.

I DREAMED of forest alleys fairAnd fields of gray-flowered grass,Where by the yellow summer moonMy Jenny seemed to pass.5

I dreamed the yellow summer moon,Behind a cedar wood,Lay white on fields of rippling grassWhere I and Jenny stood.

I dreamed - but fallen through my dream,10In a rainy land I lieWhere wan wet morning crowns the hillsOf grim reality.

II.

I am as one that keeps awake15All night in the month of June,That lies awake in bed to watchThe trees and great white moon.

For memories of love are moreThan the white moon there above,20And dearer than quiet moonshineAre the thoughts of her I love.

III.

Last night I lingered long withoutMy last of loves to see.25Alas! the moon-white window-panesStared blindly back on me.

To-day I hold her very hand,Her very waist embrace -Like clouds across a pool, I read30Her thoughts upon her face.

And yet, as now, through her clear eyesI seek the inner shrine -I stoop to read her virgin heartIn doubt if it be mine -35

O looking long and fondly thus,What vision should I see?No vision, but my own white faceThat grins and mimics me.

IV.40

Once more upon the same old seatIn the same sunshiny weather,The elm-trees' shadows at their feetAnd foliage move together.

The shadows shift upon the grass,45The dial point creeps on;The clear sun shines, the loiterers pass,As then they passed and shone.

But now deep sleep is on my heart,Deep sleep and perfect rest.50Hope's flutterings now disturb no moreThe quiet of my breast.