Dreams

While on my lonely couch I lie,I seldom feel myself alone,For fancy fills my dreaming eyeWith scenes and pleasures of its own. Then I may cherish at my breastAn infant's form beloved and fair,May smile and soothe it into restWith all a Mother's fondest care. How sweet to feel its helpless formDepending thus on me alone!And while I hold it safe and warmWhat bliss to think it is my own! And glances then may meet my eyesThat daylight never showed to me;What raptures in my bosom rise,Those earnest looks of love to see, To feel my hand so kindly prest,To know myself beloved at last,To think my heart has found a rest,My life of solitude is past! But then to wake and find it flown,The dream of happiness destroyed,To find myself unloved, alone,What tongue can speak the dreary void?A heart whence warm affections flow,Creator, thou hast given to me,And am I only thus to knowHow sweet the joys of love would be?