Classic Poem

His hopes would fade like sunset clouds,
Which melt in blackening skies,
Until he sought that peace in crowds
A cheerless home denies.

He roam'd, an Arab on life's waste,
Its kindly springs to drink;
A Tantalus , from whose hot taste
The cooling waters shrink.

And when he would each trace forget
That mark'd his early course,
Remembrance brought him but regret,
Regret became remorse.

And then he watch'd life's lamps go out,
Its friendships one by one
Decay, and leave his soul without
A light beneath the sun.