A dream is described,
"Which left my after-morn content;"
it imparted comfort.
The Poet seemed to be in a hall, where maidens were singing before a
veiled statue--
"known to me,
The shape of him I loved."
A dove flies in and summons him to the sea, where, together with his
female companions, he enters a boat. As the boat glides away with them,
they all seem to expand into greater size and strength; and a vast ship
meets them, on the deck of which, in giant proportions, stands "the man we
loved."
The maidens weep, as they fear being left behind; but all enter the ship,
and
"We steer'd her toward a crimson cloud
That land-like slept along the deep."
The teaching is allegorical of the voyage, and of those on board, and we
may take this interpretation: _I rather believe the maidens are the Muses,
Arts, &c. Everything that made Life beautiful here, we may hope may pass
on with us beyond the grave._
The description somewhat reminds one of the passage of king Arthur to the
island of Avilion.