A Dream

I dreamed, and lo! upon the silent earth (That ever swings, as from its misty birth), I kinless stood! and all the streams that erst In joyous measure sang me forth their tale Sank to a murmur; even while there burst Upon mine eyes that straightway turned me pale! I looked and wondered, and I grew as chill As though their fated touch had froze my blood; As far beyond that living, green-clad hill, In breathless awe, mine eyes were turned, I stood Appalled! Forth from the bosom of the deep There rose a wondrous chain of towering cliffs, Clear as the lake upon whose mirror sleep Light-poised, all tenderly the skiffs; While rays of light played o'er their polished sides, As slowly rose and sank they on the tides. Kissed by the sun they grew; their colors' sheen Of rose and emerald-touched tips; between The amethyst deepened to a royal tone Of purple, and I stood and gazed, alone! I knew that naught of earth was left save me To look upon that strange and glorious sea! And, as I gazed, wild flames leapt up to seize The iceberg's glow and melt it to their will: Naught could their hungry rage of greed appease, While luridly and sullen burned they still, What, then, does it portray--this onslaught fierce Of flames upon these sunlit cliffs of ice, If it be not that Evil seeks to pierce The armor thrown about the soul's device; The powers that wage unceasing war, And ever seek to gain what lies afar Above them! "Souls of just men perfect made," "Yield not," I cried, "for here a mortal stands "Alone and helpless in these alien lands; "And yet on mortal lips, I know, is laid "The burden of a knowledge far above "All thought of human gain or human love!" And crying thus, I woke, nor ever knew If to fruition my bright vision grew.