Classic Poem

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 hav 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 happinest 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.