The Happiest Day-The Happiest Hour

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 even inherit

     The venom thou hast pour'd on me

       Be still, my spirit!

     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

     Even 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.