I arose, but all was still,
And then I, slept again and dreamed till morn.
In all my dreams her dear, sweet face appeared--
Now radiant as a star, and now all pale--
Now glad with smiles and now all wet with tears.
Then came a dream that agonized my soul,
While every limb was bound as if in chains.
Methought I saw her in the silent night
Leaning o'er misty waters dark and deep:
A moan--a plash of waters--and, O Christ!--
Her agonized face upturned--imploring hands
Stretched out toward me, and a wailing cry--
'_Paul, O Paul!_' Then face and hands went down,
And o'er her closed the deep and dismal flood
Forever--but it could not drown the cry:
'_Paul, O Paul!_' was ringing in my ears;
'_Paul, O Paul!_' was throbbing in my heart;
And moaning, sobbing in my shuddering soul
Trembled the wail of anguish--'_Paul, O Paul!_'
"Then o'er the waters stole the silver dawn,
And lo a fairy boat with silken sail!
And in the boat an angel at the helm,
And at her feet the form of her I loved.
The white mists parted as the boat sped on
In silence, lessening far and far away.
And then the sunrise glimmered on the sail
A moment, and the angel turned her face:
My mother!--and I gave a joyful cry,
And stretched my hands, but lo the hovering mists
Closed in around them and the vision passed.
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