The Dream

	As I was slumbering in a secluded place,

	I will tell it without concealment,

	I saw at dawn and break of day

4	a dream on the brink of morning.

	I thought I was roaming

	with a pack of hounds at my hand,

	walking the regions and lands

8	I knew all day long,

	and that I went down into a forest,

	fine palace, not like a churlish serf's house.

	I released the dogs straightaway

12	into the trees, as it seemed to me.

	I was a good huntsman, so I thought,

	true serious skill.

	I heard the cries, fierce voices,

16	constant singing, of dogs in pursuit.

	I saw a white hind above fields,

	I was delighted by the chase,

	and a pack of hunting dogs in full cry

20	after it, unerring their course.

	The perfectly formed hind made for the hill

	and went over two ridges and a height

	and again over the slopes

24	full tilt its course like a stag,

	and came tamely at last

	to seek sanctuary with me, and I was so excited.

	Naked nostrils—then I woke up.

28	I was there in the shack, a lustful man.

	As soon as daylight came the next day

	I went to seek an interpreter nearby.

	I was fortunate enough to find

32	a righteous old woman when it was day.

	I told her everything I had seen,

	omen of the night.

	'By God, wise woman, if you could

36	put an end to this enchantment,

	I would consider none to be your equal,

	I suffer a hundred pangs, I am without hope.'

	'O hopeless one, your dream

40	is a good one, if you are a true man:

	the dogs you saw plainly

	at your hand, if you only knew their pleading language,

	are your envoys, certain course,

44	your bold love messengers,

	and the white hind is the lady

	you loved, colour of sunlit foam.

	It is quite certain that she will come

48	to seek sanctuary with you, and may God bless you.'