I Scarce Believed

I wondered once, when life, so it did seem,Was holding to me hands where gifts were laid,Gifts so long yearned for, that I felt afraidAnd, scarce believing, grasped as in a dream.For I had stood so long beside the streamWatching the ships with silken sails arrayedPass proudly out where the wide sea was madeOne with the waiting night, and starlight's gleam--Would I too sail upon that magic seaWith moon-drenched nights and days of blue serene?Had God leant down and all my longing seenAnd kindly bent his gracious smile on me?I scarce believed, but laughed away my fears--And took the proffered gifts. They brought me tears.