I. I DREAMED of forest alleys fairAnd fields of gray-flowered grass,Where by the yellow summer moonMy Jenny seemed to pass. I dreamed the yellow summer moon,Behind a cedar wood,Lay white on fields of rippling grassWhere I and Jenny stood. I dreamed - but fallen through my dream,In a rainy land I lieWhere wan wet morning crowns the hillsOf grim reality. II. I am as one that keeps awakeAll night in the month of June,That lies awake in bed to watchThe trees and great white moon. For memories of love are moreThan the white moon there above,And dearer than quiet moonshineAre the thoughts of her I love. III. Last night I lingered long withoutMy last of loves to see.Alas! the moon-white window-panesStared blindly back on me. To-day I hold her very hand,Her very waist embrace -Like clouds across a pool, I readHer thoughts upon her face. And yet, as now, through her clear eyesI seek the inner shrine -I stoop to read her virgin heartIn doubt if it be mine - O looking long and fondly thus,What vision should I see?No vision, but my own white faceThat grins and mimics me. IV. Once more upon the same old seatIn the same sunshiny weather,The elm-trees' shadows at their feetAnd foliage move together. The shadows shift upon the grass,The dial point creeps on;The clear sun shines, the loiterers pass,As then they passed and shone. But now deep sleep is on my heart,Deep sleep and perfect rest.Hope's flutterings now disturb no moreThe quiet of my breast.

The work and its creator

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Creator: Robert Louis Stevenson
Nationality / cultural background: Scottish
Work / edition: Before 1894

Historical public-domain poem. Verse and line breaks retained.

In the source: I Dreamed Of Forest Alleys fair

Selected for the Brief on 13 Oct 2026. This date records our selection, rather than when the work was created.