Just as of old

I saw my love in dreams last night

Pass up the sleeping, moon-lit lands,

The love-beams in her dear eyes bright,

A rosebud in her rose-leaf hands.

And round me, as I nearer stepped,

I felt her soft arms steal and fold,

While close against my heart she crept,

Just as of old!

The grey dawn broke, my love was gone,

The golden dream was past and dead;

I got me to the church-yard lone,

There by the maiden's memory led:

I found a head-stone, gray with years,

I bowed me to the morn-mists cold,

I wept, and knew she saw my tears,

Just as of old!

But even while I live alone.

This comfort comes and soothes my care;

We two may meet when all is done,

Far off in Heaven, where all is fair,

And by the light above, beyond,

Chastened, each other's face behold,

Stainless, more pure, but true and fond,

Just as of old!