Classic Poem

In happier hours, Love's star was beaming
About my path by day and night,
Ev'n when my mind was wrapped in dreaming,
I felt the fervor of its light.
And when my soul was dark with sorrow,
Its brightness quenched in mental pain,
I looked with hope towards the morrow,
For I knew that star would shine again.

But now, the hours are sad and dreary,
Love from my heavenward path is flown,
And Hope is crushed, and I am weary
In living for myself alone:
No guiding star to cheer me onward,
To wing my better thoughts to God,
But dark Despair impels me downward,
I see my grave beneath the sod!

Oh! is it to be thus forever?
And must that guardian spirit's light
Illume my darkened footsteps never,
Or quicken this eternal night?
Fool that I was! to madly sever
That bright link in my being's chain —
To quench that holy light for ever! —
For I cannot hope 'twill shine again!