Dreams

As I came through the Valley Sleep,
(Upon each side a frowning steep,)
A dream my weighted steps o’ertook:
“ I am the Fear thou wouldst not brook
Through all the hours of light,
But thrust my face from sight,
My whisper from thine ear ;
Now close on thee I wait, —
Thy secret Fear, —
And I foreshadow fate ! ”

As I came through the Valley Sleep,
Where singing waters hidden creep,
A dream arose and kissed my brow :
“ I am the Heart’s Desire, whom thou
Wouldst lift no voice to greet,
Nor own me conquering-sweet,
A mounting cordial fire;
I am thy bosom-mate, —
Deep Heart’s Desire, —
And I foreshadow fate ! ”

Whoso comes through the Valley Sleep,
Whether he wake to laugh or weep,
Meets with no herald from afar,
No warning gleam of natal star;
But in her regal place,
And with no masking face,
Unhoodwinked and unbought,
Most pure, inviolate,
The lord of thought,
The Soul foreshadows fate!

Edith M. Thomas.