THE ABSINTHE DRINKER.

GENTLY I wave the visible world away. Far off, I hear a roar, afar yet near, Far off and strange, a voice is in my ear, And is the voice my own? the words I say Fall strangely, like a dream, across the day; And the dim sunshine is a dream. How clear, New as the world to lovers' eyes, appear The men and women passing on their way!

The world is very fair. The hours are all Linked in a dance of mere forgetfulness. I am at peace with God and man. O glide, Sands of the hour-glass that I count not, fall Serenely: scarce I feel your soft caress. Rocked on this dreamy and indifferent tide.