Memoria

If only in my dreams I may behold thee,Still hath the day a goal;If only in my dreams I may enfold thee,Still hath the night a soul.Leaden the hours may press upon my spiritNor one dear pledge redeem;I will not chide, so they at last inheritAnd crown me with the rapture of that dream.

Ten thousand blossoms earth's gay gardens cherish;One pale, pale rose is mine.Of frost or blight the rest may quickly perish;Not so that rose divine:Deathless it blooms in quiet realms Elysian,And when toil wins me rest,Forgetful of all else, in blissful visionI breathe my rose, and clasp it to my breast!