Pale were your looks; and the rose in your tressesPaler of hue than the dreams we have lost;Who, then I said, is it sees or who guesses,Here in the hall, that I dance with a ghost?Gone! And the dance and the music are ended.Gone! And the rapture dies out of the skies.And, on my arm, in her elegance splendid,The woman of fashion smiles up in my eyes.Had I forgotten? and did you remember?You, who are dead, whom I cannot forget;You, for whose sake all my heart is an emberCovered with ashes of dreams and regret.

Summary

This quote reflects on the speaker's emotions and memories of a past love who has passed away. The speaker describes the physical appearance of their love as pale and reminiscent of lost dreams. Despite their lover's absence, the speaker questions whether others can perceive the haunting presence of their beloved. The notion of time passing is conveyed as the dance and music come to an end, symbolizing the fading moments of joy. However, amidst this melancholy, the speaker is joined by a present companion who may distract them from their grief. Ultimately, the speaker acknowledges the eternal presence of their lost love, and though life now moves on, the embers of their affection burn on.

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