all that we see or seem

is but a dream within a dream



take this kiss upon the brow

and in parting from you now

this much let me avow

you are not wrong who deemed

that my days have been a dream

yet if hope has flown away

in a night, in a day, in a vision, or a memory

is it therefore the less gone?

all that we see or seem

is but a dream within a dream



I stand amid the roar

of the surf tormented shore

and I hold within my hands

grains of golden sand

how few yet how they creep

through my fingers to the deep

while I weep, while I weep

oh god can I not grasp them with a tighter clasp

oh god can I not save one from the pitiless wave

is all that we see or seem

but a dream within a dream