Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-03-22
DREAMS.


Philosophers may say what they will on the
subject. dreams are not always what they often
ore. mere idle visions of diseased system. They
are not unfrequenty, it is true, the effect Of some
deep impression made on the mind during the day.
We all know that what strongly excites the feel
ngs Of persons Of sensibliy, is apt TO revisit them
in their SAUNDERS. But independently OF these in.
cdental circumstances, nearly every age has some
thing to record of the power of dreams over the
MUD 10 their warning character. Sacred as wei
as profane history is full Of it. Even in the New
Testament we read-"The wife ofPiatc sent unto
him saying, Have thou nothing 10 do with that just
man, for have suffered many things this day in a
dream because of him. Our departed friends
visi, as in dreams, clothed in their earthly garments
fresh with health as we once knew them, and
,oyous in all the loved realities Of life. Are not
their blessed spirits then lowering over us? Surely
they ares the images Of those whom we most value
on earth, although absen, from us, in dreams are
often brought near 10 Us. Even those famed wri.
tiers whose works have excited our highest admra.
ton, but who are strangers 10 us and always will
be so, probably in this world, in dreams have been
made manifest 10 us in an unaccountable manner,
bending with knowledged interest over us, as If
to repay some portion Of the admiration we have
layished upon their works. Year after year, this
having occurred in one instance, induced the fol.
lownp-which must he read mere for its truth than
poc,ry-snce il has little claim 10 the genius Of
numbers.
,Tis true we ne Ter have met but in those dreams
Which tranquil slunlber brings. In those visions
OF the night, thy spirit hoyers DER me 4!
For there thy image rises into life.
Not in the ma esty Of thought involved,
But gentle and serene. There thy bland tones
Have trembled on my ear And as my gaze
Was on thy image fixed in wondering thought,
Enchanted feeling caug hit each strain that Tell
Which brea,hed the beauties of Thy classic mind,
While DER thy speaking features archly played
A smile Of conscious power. Then DER me bending,
(rhe graceful bend that playful ease commands,)
Such soothing tones in friendly council flowed
Council, which in an adverse hour thou gav'st
TO guide my doubtful way-that every pang
Which pierced my troubled breast was soothed TO
And mutual friendship blest the solemn hour.
But awoke, and from The picture turned.
Again with thee lhro' brightest scenes l've roamed,
BY superhuman power impeIed, moved
On air in its serenest purity,
Where all around was calm, and pure, and bright.
pointed to those realms Of heavenly bliss,
Where dwell the saints Of light in endless day
For hight can never cast its shadow there.
The sacred charm was felt, and earth with all
Us hopes aud sensual iIs va ."e. aside
For what is earih-a wilderness Of passion,
Such as the pure in heart can never know.
Serene as " morning steals upon the night,
Melting The Darkness seemed my course,
Till the waking. hour deIusion banshed,
And left us strangers in the msts involved !!
But wherefore these mysterious vsilings?
All what am 10 thee, or thou 10 me,
Tia, thus, from time 10 time, thy spirit seems
TO hover DER me, watching still my pa,hl
Can i, be SO? All no. tits but dream
Best as thou art beyond the lot man.,
Unknown TO thee ife's sad realities:
Thy DAYS uncouded by the worlds dark storms,
But ever tinged with iancy's golden hue,
In visions only can view thy smile.
On earth we meier may meet I'VE ne'er should meet
For what, alas, would be the meeting here,
But pangs for separation ! Yet how Oft
When bordering DER thy page in serious mood,
The wish has been, that might trace unseen
That ample brow the moral beauty scan
Which tlro' each speaking feature beams. But no
Reflection wiser, showed The wish was vain
Tina, but in dreams we ne'er on earth should meet
For fame hath spread no laurel DER my brow;
Nor science poured its treasures al my feet
And could mind unrivalled in its course
"Wilh all The riches, stores Of learning fraughl,
"Yet better still bv native genius TAUGHT"
From this exalted height, so priced descend
TO pay tribute 10 a nobler claim!
All, not 'till fame's applauding voice is bushed,
And the last trump proclaims that time is DER.
A. J. q.