Classic Poem

She sets the town ablaze;
Each eager gallant flies,
His hard-won treasure pays
And — Sthenelais — cries;
Nor recks the price if he may take
The girl who soon his life will break.

Ah, happier I than they!
No gold of mine she took,
But with me she did stay
Until the red dawn broke.
The dream-god brought her to my side
In all the pomp of beauty's pride.

Yes, then in sleep revealed
She gave me joys unbought,
My bed did pleasures yield
Which prayers in vain besought.
Vainly do lovers moan and sigh —
A dream can heal their agony.