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I
THE HAPPIEST day—the happiest hourMy seared and blighted heart hath known, The highest hope of pride and power, I feel hath flown.
II
Of power! said I? Yes! such I weenBut they have vanished long, alas! The visions of my youth have been But let them pass.
III
And pride, what have I now with thee?Another brow may ev’n inherit The venom thou hast poured on me Be still my spirit!
IV
The happiest day—the happiest hour Mine eyes shall see—have ever seen The brightest glance of pride and power I feet have been:
V
But were that hope of pride and powerNow offered with the pain Ev’n then I felt—that brightest hour I would not live again:
VI
For on its wing was dark alloyAnd as it fluttered—fell An essence—powerful to destroy A soul that knew it well. |