Once in a dream (for once I dreamed of you) br We stood together in an open field; br Above our heads two swift-winged pigeons wheeled, br Sporting at ease and courting full in view. br When loftier still a broadening darkness flew, br Down-swooping, and a ravenous hawk revealed; br Too weak to fight, too fond to fly, they yield; br So farewell life and love and pleasures new. br Then as their plumes fell fluttering to the ground, br Their snow-white plumage flecked with crimson drops, br I wept, and thought I turned towards you to weep: br But you were gone; while rustling hedgerow tops br Bent in a wind which bore to me a sound br Of far-off piteous bleat of lambs and sheep.