JUST when the western light 
    Flickered out dim, 
Flushing the mountain-side, 
    Summit and rim, 
A last, low, lingering gleam 
Fell on a yellow stream, 
And then there came a dream 
    Shining to him.
Splendours miraculous 
    Mixed with his pain 
All like a vision of 
    Radiance and rain! 
He faced the sea, the skies, 
Old star-like thoughts did rise; 
But tears were in his eyes, 
    Stifled in vain.
 
Infinite tokens of 
    Sorrows set free 
Came in the dreaming wind 
    Far from the sea! 
Past years about him trooped, 
Fair phantoms round him stooped, 
Sweet faces o’er him drooped 
    Sad as could be!
 
“This is our brother now: 
    Sisters, deplore 
Man without purpose, like 
    Ship without shore! 
He tracks false fire,” one said, 
“But weep you—he must tread 
Whereto he may be led— 
    Lost evermore.”
 
“Look,” said another, 
    “Summit and slope 
Burn, in the mountain-land— 
    Basement and cope! 
Till daylight, dying dim, 
Faints on the world’s red rim, 
We’ll tint this Dream for him 
    Even—with hope!”
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