The phantoms of times forgotten
Arise from out their grave,
And show me how once in thy presence
I lived the life it gave.
In the day I wandered dreaming,
Through the streets with unsteady foot;
The people looked at me in wonder,
I was so mournful and mute.
At night, then it was better,
For empty was the town;
I and my shadow together
Walked speechless up and down.
My way, with echoing footstep,
Over the bridge I took;
The moon broke out of the waters,
And gave me a meaning look.
I stopped before thy dwelling,
And gazed, and gazed again--
Stood staring up at thy window,
My heart was in such pain.
I know that thou from thy window
Didst often look downward--and
Sawest me, there in the moonlight,
A motionless pillar stand.