I.

Twas but a dream! I saw the stag leap free, Under the boughs where early birds were singing; I stood o’ershadow’d by the greenwood tree, And heard, it seem’d, a sudden bugle ringing Far through a royal forest. Then the fawn Shot, like a gleam of light, from grassy lawn To secret covert; and the smooth turf shook, And lilies quiver’d by the glade’s lone brook, And young leaves trembled, as, in fleet career, A princely band, with horn, and hound, and spear, Like a rich masque swept forth. I saw the dance Of their white plumes, that bore a silvery glance Into the deep wood’s heart; and all pass’d by Save one--I met the smile of _one_ clear eye, Flashing out joy to mine. Yes, _thou_ wert there, Seymour! A soft wind blew the clustering hair Back from thy gallant brow, as thou didst rein Thy courser, turning from that gorgeous train, And fling, methought, thy hunting spear away, And, lightly graceful in thy green array, Bound to my side. And we, that met and parted Ever in dread of some dark watchful power, Won back to childhood’s trust, and fearless-hearted, Blent the glad fulness of our thoughts that hour Even like the mingling of sweet streams, beneath Dim woven leaves, and midst the floating breath Of hidden forest-flowers.