Deniehy’s Dream

JUST when the western light Flickered out dim, Flushing the mountain-side, Summit and rim, A last, low, lingering gleam Fell on a yellow stream, And then there came a dream Shining to him. Splendours miraculous Mixed with his pain All like a vision of Radiance and rain! He faced the sea, the skies, Old star-like thoughts did rise; But tears were in his eyes, Stifled in vain. Infinite tokens of Sorrows set free Came in the dreaming wind Far from the sea! Past years about him trooped, Fair phantoms round him stooped, Sweet faces o’er him drooped Sad as could be! “This is our brother now: Sisters, deplore Man without purpose, like Ship without shore! He tracks false fire,” one said, “But weep you—he must tread Whereto he may be led— Lost evermore.” “Look,” said another, “Summit and slope Burn, in the mountain-land— Basement and cope! Till daylight, dying dim, Faints on the world’s red rim, We’ll tint this Dream for him Even—with hope!”