I.

We have two lives about us, Within us, and without us; Two worlds in which we dwell, Alternate Heaven and Hell: Without, the sombre Real, Within our heart of hearts, the beautiful Ideal! I stand between the thresholds of the two, Fettered and bound with many a heavy chain; I strive to rend their links, but all in vain; The False is strong, and holds me from the True. Only in dreams my spirit wanders o'er The starry portal of the world of bliss, And lives the life which Fate denies in this, Which may have once been mind, but will be, nevermore.