Lays for the sabbath : a collection of religious poetry / compiled by Emily Taylor ; revised, with additions, by John Pierpont [electronic text]

"HE SHALL FLY AWAY AS A DREAM."

I DREAMED: — I saw a rosy child, With flaxen ringlets, in a garden playing; Now stooping here, and then afar off straying, As flower or butterfly his feet beguiled.

'T was changed: one summer's day I stepped aside, To let him pass; his face had manhood's seeming, And that full eye of blue was fondly beaming On a fair maiden, whom he call'd his bride.

Once more: 't was evening, and the cheerful fire I saw a group of youthful forms surrounding, The room with harmless pleasantry resounding; And, in the midst, I mark'd the smiling sire.

The heavens were clouded — and I heard the tone Of a slow-moving bell: the white-hair'd man had gone.