MRS FRANK LESLIE
Joaquin Miller
dream'd, Queen, of thee, last night; - I can but dream of thee to-day.
- But dream? Oh! I could kneel and pray
- To one, who, like a tender light,
- Leads ever on my lonesome way,
- And will not pass yet will not stay.
- I dream'd we roam'd in elden land;
- I saw you walk in splendid state,
- With lifted head and heart elate,
- And lilies in your white right hand,
- Beneath your proud Saint Peter's dome
- That, silent, lords almighty Korne.
- A diamond star was in your hair,
- Your garments were of gold and snow;
- And men did turn and marvel so,
- And men did say, How matchless fair!
- And all men follow'd as you pass'd;
- But I came silent, lone, and last.
- And holy men in sable gown,
- And girt with cord, and sandal shod,
- Did look to thee, and then to God.
- They cross'd themselves, with heads held down;
- They chid themselves, for fear that they
- Should, seeing thee, forget to pray.
- Men pass'd, men spake in wooing word;
- Men pass'd, ten thousand in a line.
- You stood before the sacred shrine,
- You stood as if you had not heard.
- And then you turn'd in calm command,
- And laid two lilies in my hand.
- O Lady, if by sea or land
- You yet might weary of all men,
- And turn unto your singer then,
- And lay one lily in his hand,
- Lo! I would follow true and far
- As seamen track the polar star.
- My soul is young, my heart is strong;
- O Lady, reach a hand to-day,
- And thou shalt walk the milky way,
- For I will give thy name to song.
- Yea, I am of the kings of thought,
- And thou shalt live when kings are not.