I had withdrawn in forest, and my song 
Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway; 
And to the forest edge you came one day 
(This was my dream) and looked and pondered long, 
But did not enter, though the wish was strong:
You shook your pensive head as who should say, 
`I dare not?too far in his footsteps stray? 
He must seek me would he undo the wrong. 

Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all 
Behind low boughs the trees let down outside;
And the sweet pang it cost me not to call 
And tell you that I saw does still abide. 
But ?tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof, 
For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.