| |
| STAY, stay, sweet vision, do not leave me— | |
| Soft sleep, still o’er my senses reign; | |
| Stay, loveliest phantom, still deceive me; | |
| Ah! let me dream that dream again. | |
| |
| Thy head was on my shoulder leaning; | 5 |
| Thy hand in mine was gently prest; | |
| Thine eyes so soft and full of meaning, | |
| Were bent on me and I was blest. | |
| |
| No word was spoken, all was feeling, | |
| The silent transport of the heart; | 10 |
| The tear that o’er my cheek was stealing; | |
| Told what words could ne’er impart. | |
| |
| And could this be but mere illusion? | |
| Could fancy all so real seem? | |
| Here fancy’s scenes are wild confusion— | 15 |
| And can it be I did but dream. | |
| |
| I ’m sure I felt thy forehead pressing, | |
| Thy very breath stole o’er my cheek, | |
| I ’m sure I saw those eyes confessing | |
| What the tongue could never speak. | 20 |
| |
| Ah! no, ’t is gone, ’t is gone, and never | |
| Mine such waking bliss can be; | |
| Oh I would sleep, would sleep for ever, | |
| Could I thus but dream of thee. | |
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