I.

The happiest day--the happiest hour
    My 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 ween
    But 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 feel have been:

V.

But were that hope of pride and power
    Now offered with the pain
Ev'n _then_ I felt--that brightest hour
    I would not live again:

VI.

For on its wing was dark alloy
    And as it fluttered--fell
An essence--powerful to destroy
    A soul that knew it well.