The Poetry Corner

Come When I Sleep.

By Victor-Marie Hugo

("Oh, quand je dors.") [XXVII.] Oh! when I sleep, come near my resting-place, As Laura came to bless her poet's heart, And let thy breath in passing touch my face - At once a space My lips will part. And on my brow where too long weighed supreme A vision - haply spent now - black as night, Let thy look as a star arise and beam - At once my dream Will seem of light. Then press my lips, where plays a flame of bliss - A pure and holy love-light - and forsake The angel for the woman in a kiss - At once, I wis, My soul will wake! WM. W. TOMLINSON.