Classic Poem

How well I remember the hour,
When first from the brow of this hill,
I gaz'd upon spire and tower,
Becalm'd in the valley so still!

The birds sweetly sang in mine ear,
Still sweeter sang hope at my heart;
How bright did the prospect appear,
What thrilling emotions impart!

Since then seven years have expired,
Seven years which I sigh but to name;
Yet I have more than all I desired
Of knowledge, of friendship, of fame.

How strange are the feelings of man!
How changefully link'd with each other!
One feeling is strong when we plan,
We succeed,—it is turn'd to another.

O teach me, great Teacher of all,
Such wisdom to learn and to love,
So to feel, that whatever befall,
It may lead me to better above.

There only are destin'd to bloom
The yearnings we cherish below;
There the past is divested of gloom;
No pain can the future bestow.