A DREAM

In sleep the errant phantasy,
No more by sense imprisoned,
Creates what possibly might be
But actually isn't:
And this my tale is past belief,
Of truth and reason emptied,
'Tis fiction manifest--in brief
I was asleep, and dreamt it.

I met a man by Isis' stream,
Whose phrase discreet and prudent,
Whose penchant for a learned theme
Proclaimed the Serious Student:
I never knew a scholar who
Could more at ease converse on
The latest _Classical Review_
Than that superior person.

He spoke of books--all manly sports
He deemed but meet for scoffing:
He did not know the Racquet Courts--
He'd never heard of golfing--
Professors ne'er were half so wise,
Nor Readers more sedate!
He was--I learnt with some surprise--
An undergraduate.