University of Virginia Library


45

“IN A STRANGE DREAM”

SONNET

In a strange dream I passed beyond the host
I led, and stood upon the field alone.—
Round me were corpses pale and overthrown;
No living friend,—but many a blood-stained ghost.
Beaconed in front the fires from post to post:
I heard the ringing passionate trumpets blown;
Ten thousand eyes were focussed in my own;
Like endless waves upon an endless coast
The enemy's army stretched in front of me.
I caught the ravening eyes of all of these
Within my own like spears upon a shield
And held them till that army seemed to yield
Vanquished, as at the cliff's glance sink the seas.—
Then I looked round for God. And where was he?
1883.