Dreamland

Dreaming of kindlier, warmer suns, Dreaming of happier hours, We dwell in a future that never sheds O'er our heads its living flowers; In fancy we gather with eager glee What fate dooms to perish in infancy.

The youth is dreaming of laurels won On the battle-field of life, He sees the hour of triumph near, Nor recks of the years of strife; Yet his flashing eye shall be sunk and dim Ere the victor's wreath may be wove for him.

The maiden dreameth the dearest dream The human heart may treasure, Of a sun-lit home where faith and love Flow forth in ceaseless measure; Let her dream, — nor whisper the future brings No rainbow hues on its darkening wings.

Let them dream — they will rouse at duty's call, Eager for nobler doing, Will catch the light on her steel-crowned helm, And turn from fancy's wooing, And visions of love and of fame will die As the sunset gleam from the wintry sky.

And yet, — though the dreams of earth be fair, God grant that a dreamless sleep May seal the eyes that have learned too well O'er waking thoughts to weep; Till a morn shall break in their dazzled sight, Crowning earth's dreams with a truer light.