Brother Fabian's Manuscript :: :: University of Virginia Library

I dreamed a dream:—Methought two travellers
To an old hostel in a narrow street
Came walking wearily, their way-worn feet
Shod in strange sandals: and the folk said:“Sirs,
“What make ye here to-night?” but on they went
Unheeding, for the winter day was spent,
And sought their chamber. As they lay awake,
The jangling bells clanged forth a sudden peal
Of strangest music, and they seemed to feel
The Old Year die upon the night, and break
The links of Past and Future; and below
There was a noise of trampling in the snow,

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And clamorous angry voices: but they heard
The strife all idly, turned them round and slept,
Slept even in my dream, and something kept
A watch above them that nor spoke nor stirred.
Then one awoke, and started to his feet,
And spoke his fellow:“Christ is in the street!”
And forth they went to meet Him, but they found
The street all empty, save a shivering heap
Of frozen sack-cloth, where one seemed to weep
Stretched by a threshold on the wintry ground.
Then one said:“Speak, O Lord!” and bent him o'er
The moaning outcast. But I dreamed no more.