A Dream

Once a dream did weave a shade
   O’er my angel-guarded bed,
   That an emmet lost its way
   Where on grass methought I lay.

Troubled, wildered, and forlorn,
   Dark, benighted, travel-worn,
   Over many a tangle spray,
   All heart-broke, I heard her say:

“Oh my children! do they cry,
   Do they hear their father sigh?
   Now they look abroad to see,
   Now return and weep for me.”

Pitying, I dropped a tear:
   But I saw a glow-worm near,
   Who replied, “What wailing wight
   Calls the watchman of the night?

“I am set to light the ground,
   While the beetle goes his round:
   Follow now the beetle’s hum;
   Little wanderer, hie thee home!”