_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.