Dreams.
I have been dreaming of the happy past—1
Of many a smile that I no more shall see ;2
Of scenes and hopes too bright, too blest to last,3
That never more shall shed their light on me !4
I have been dreaming of my childhood’s hours,5
Of the calm valley and the peaceful shade,6
Where my young hand first plucked the violet flowers,7
Where my young footsteps first ’mid roses strayed.8
I have been dreaming of those cloudless years9
When care or blight my spirit never knew :10
Ere Life’s bright flow’rets were bedewed with tears,11
And, winged with joy, Time’s silken pinions flew.12
And from such dreams with morn’s pale glance I woke,13
To find Life’s barque still toss’d on Sorrow’s stream ;14
To feel, alas ! all happiness is broke,15
That joy and hope for me are now a dream !16