THE Dream-God brought me to a castle vast, Where magic fragrance reign'd and lights were gleaming, And through its mazy-winding chambers pass'd A chequer'd throng, still onward, onward streaming, The pale crowd seek the exit-portal fast, Wringing their hands, and full of terror screaming, And knights and maidens mingle in the throng, And I myself am with them borne along. But suddenly I stand alone, for, lo, The crowd hath vanish'd and from sight departed; I wander on, and through the chambers go, All strangely winding, silent and deserted; My foot is leaden, and I scarcely know How to escape, thus sadden'd and faint-hearted. At length the farthest portal I descry, And seek to pass -- great heavens, what meets mine eye! It was my love, who at the door did stand, Grief on her lips, her brow in tribulation. I sought to fly, -- she beckon'd with her hand, Whether to warn me, or in indignation; Yet gleam'd her eye like some sweet glowing brand, Setting my heart and brain in conflagration. And as she gazed with looks of passion deep, Blended with sternness, I awoke from sleep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOW IT STRIKES A CONTEMPORARY by ROBERT BROWNING DON JUAN: CANTO 1 by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE PRESENT CRISIS by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL FRATERNITY by ANNE REEVE ALDRICH THE RHYME OF SIR LAUNCELOT BOGLE; A LEGEND OF GLASGOW by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |