The Land of Dreams

Awake, awake, my little boy!
Thou wast thy mother's only joy.
Why dost thou weep in thy gentle sleep?
Awake! thy father doth thee keep.

"O, what land is the land of dreams?
What are its mountains and what are its streams?
O father! I saw my mother there,
Among the lilies by waters fair.

"Among the lambs clothed in white,
She walked with her Thomas in sweet delight.
I wept for joy, like a dove I mourn—
O, when shall I again return?"

Dear child! I also by pleasant streams
Have wandered all night in the land of dreams;
But, though calm and warm the waters wide,
I could not get to the other side.

"Father, O father! what do we here,
In this land of unbelief and fear?
The land of dreams is better far,
Above the light of the morning star."