"For love is strong as death."--SOLOMON'S SONG, viii., 6.
I dreamt last night that I was dead,
And passed beyond the bounds of sight,
Into that glorious land of light.
But still my heart remained with you,
And it was false that you had said,
And all that I had told you true.
My love was stronger far than death,
Though you had deemed it little worth,
It had outlasted time and earth.
You cast it carelessly aside,
It was not worth a moment's breath,
And I that would have gladly died
To know that you had trusted me,
Had done with earthly care and strife,
Had passed away from out your life,
And now upon the heavenly shore,
I watched until the time should be
When I might clasp your hand once more.
I stood without the golden gate,
And one came forth and bade me in,
"From thee hath pass'd away all sin."
I answered, "Nay, let me remain
Without the door; I fain would wait
For one I loved on earth in vain.
To join me here, I would not be
In heaven, while he is yet below."
The angel answered, "Be it so.
Thou hast thy choice, thy love is great.
I will pray God to turn to thee
That soul for which thou here dost wait."
His voice then ceased; and others came
And passed within those portals wide.
I patient waited there outside,
Waited to enter heaven with you;
For love must always be the same,
How could you doubt such love was true?
At length you came unto the gate;
I spoke your name; you turned aside.
Why should I think because I died,
That you would deem my love was true?
I had my choice, I chose to wait,
I did not care for Heaven, but you.
Then spake the angel, "Never pain
May enter in this golden door,
May ever cross this threshold o'er;
Thou lovest this soul, and thou would'st wait,
And thy long waiting is in vain,
And now, alas! it is too late.
I may not let thee enter in.
If he had taken thee by the hand,
And smiled on thee, thou now would'st stand
Beside him here for ever more;
But since his trust thou could'st not win,
Thou must remain outside the door."
