Years Ago.

Annie I dreamed a strange dream last night,     At my bedside, I dreamed, you stood clad in white;     Your dark curly hair 'round your snow-white brow, -     (Are those locks as raven and curly now?)     And those rosebud lips, which in days lang syne,     I have kissed and blest, because they were mine.     And thine eyes soft light,     Shone as mellow and bright,     As it did years ago, -     Years ago.     And I fancy I heard the soft soothing sound     Of thy voice, that sweet melody breathed all around,     Whilst enraptured I gazed, and once more the sweet smile,     Made sunshine, my sorrowing heart to beguile,     And thy milkwhite hands stroked my heated brow; -     (Oh! what would I give could I feel them now!)     But alas! Woe is me!     No more can it be,     As it was years ago, -     Years ago.     I awoke with a gnawing pain at my heart,     The vision had vanished, - but oh, the smart     Of the wound, which no time can ever heal,     Was a torment, which only lost souls can feel.     Yet in spite of the pain, the woe, the despair,     I dote, as I look on a lock of dark hair,     That I culled from the head,     Of the loveliest maid;     Many long years ago, -     Years ago.     Will fate ever bring us together again?     Will my heart never know a surcease from pain?     Are the dark locks I worshipped, now mingled with grey?     Has Time stolen brightness and beauty away?     I care not, - for years have but made thee more dear;     But my longing is vain,     Thou wilt ne'er come again.     Lost, - lost, - years ago, -     Years ago.