A Dream Pang

    Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway;

    And to the forest edge you came one day

    (This was my dream) and looked and pondered long,

    But did not enter, though the wish was strong:

    You shook your pensive head as who should say,

    'I dare not—too far in his footsteps stray—

    He must seek me would he undo the wrong.

    Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all

    Behind low boughs the trees let down outside;

    And the sweet pang it cost me not to call

    And tell you that I saw does still abide.

    But 'tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof,

    For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.