Classic English Literature Notes

A Dream Pang

I had withdrawn in forest, and my song

Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway;

And to the forest edge you came one day

*This was my dream) and looked and pondered long,

But did not enter, though the wish was strong:

you shook your pensive head as who should say,

‘I dare not–to far in his footsteps stray-

He must seek me would he undo the wrong.’

Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all

behind low boughs the trees let down outside;

And the sweet pang it cost me not to call

And tell you that I saw does still abide.

But ’tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof,

For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.