The Happiest Day

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.

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!

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 offered with the pain

Ev'n _then_ I felt — that brightest hour

I would not live again:

For on its wing was dark alloy

And as it fluttered — fell

An essence — powerful to destroy

A soul that knew it well.