Dream Poem by Antero Tarquinio de Quental

I dreamed (and dreams aren't always vain, it seems)
I had been carried off by winds that moan
Across the starry space; the stellar zone
Where dawn eternally has smiles, and beams.

The stars that guard the morning light that streams
On seeing me pass silent, sad, alone,
Now looked at me, and asked in caring tone:
'Where is our sister, friend caught up in dreams?'

I hung my head in apprehensive fright
Lest they discover all my great disgrace.
I passed on, furtive, silent at the sight:

I didn't dare to tell the stars of space,
Your little sisters, all so pure and bright,
How false you are, unworthy of their race!