The happiest day--the happiest hour
My sear'd and blighted heart hath known,
The highest hope of pride, and power,
I feel hath flown.
Of power! said I? Yes! such I ween
But they have vanish'd long alas!
The visions of my youth have been--
But let them pass.
And, pride, what have I now with thee?
Another brow may ev'n inherit
The venom thou hast pour'd on me--
Be still my spirit.
The smile of love--soft friendship's charm--
Bright hope itself has fled at last,
'Twill ne'er again my bosom warm--
'Tis ever past.
The happiest day--the happiest hour
Mine eyes shall see--have ever seen
The brightest glance of pride and power
I feel--have been:
But were that hope of pride and power
Now offer'd, with the pain
Ev'n then I felt--that brightest hour
I would not live again:
For on its wing was dark alloy
And as it flutter'd--fell
An essence--powerful to destroy
A soul that knew it well.
(1827)