A Dream :: :: University of Virginia Library

I've a longing, I've a longing,
Deep within my inmost soul,
Is some feeling, strange, uncertain,
Thrills me like the ocean's roll.
Oh this longing, deep within me,
Would to Him, I knew its name,
Seems this longing is uncertain
Is no longing after fame—
But a power deep within me
Struggling hard to lead me on
Onward to some sublime ending
Where earth's sorrow shall be gone.

Oh this longing, oh this longing,
Is it longing for some love,
Some angelic, mental creature,
Gentle as a morning dove.
For this heart so constant loving,
For this soul of natural care?
What's the meaning of this longing,
Is it caused by earnest prayer,
Of some friend to make me better,
Kneeling with uplifted hand,

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Causing thus a spell from heaven
Wafted from that higher land?

All my years I've had this longing,
Every day I've felt its might,
Like some guardian angel's beckon,
Safely from my mortal sight.
Seems at times its might within me
Tempts me on—I know not where,
Onward to this sublime ending,
Where the earth shall loose its care.
Is it Heaven that thus beckons?
Would to God I knew its call.
It may be I long for Heaven,
And this longing God gave all.