73
All met the heart, and transient pain
Released its victim soon again.
The minstrel's tuneful notes of joy
Could every saddening thought destroy,—
And fancy's scenes of rapture bright
Through every tranquil hour delight.
But now, those happy days are o'er,
And these loved treasures charm no more;
No more the poet's sweetest strain
Can check the cruel force of pain;
Nor flowery page, nor reason's voice
Can bid the breaking heart rejoice.
E'en Nature's blooming aspect fails
To cheer the soul where grief prevails:
Nor vernal music's gentle flow
Can soothe the heart o'erwhelmed with woe.
Past are those sweet and happy hours,
Which, spent in nature's blooming bowers,
Delight serene and pleasure gave,
Though destined to an early grave.
Ah me! what grief hath shadowed o'er
Those prospects that can charm no more;—
What clouds of sorrow move between
The dawning and the noon-day scene!
Once each fair smile of morning light
Awoke our souls to visions bright.
The spirits in rejoicing ease
Sprang lightly as the vernal breeze,—
And mingled free in social joy,
And kindred kindness' sweet employ:
Released its victim soon again.
The minstrel's tuneful notes of joy
Could every saddening thought destroy,—
And fancy's scenes of rapture bright
Through every tranquil hour delight.
But now, those happy days are o'er,
And these loved treasures charm no more;
No more the poet's sweetest strain
Can check the cruel force of pain;
Nor flowery page, nor reason's voice
Can bid the breaking heart rejoice.
E'en Nature's blooming aspect fails
To cheer the soul where grief prevails:
Nor vernal music's gentle flow
Can soothe the heart o'erwhelmed with woe.
Past are those sweet and happy hours,
Which, spent in nature's blooming bowers,
Delight serene and pleasure gave,
Though destined to an early grave.
Ah me! what grief hath shadowed o'er
Those prospects that can charm no more;—
What clouds of sorrow move between
The dawning and the noon-day scene!
Once each fair smile of morning light
Awoke our souls to visions bright.
The spirits in rejoicing ease
Sprang lightly as the vernal breeze,—
And mingled free in social joy,
And kindred kindness' sweet employ:
