Poetical Fragments from Ethel Churchill Volume II/Gifts Misused
CHAPTER XXI.
Oh, what a waste of feeling and of thought
Have been the imprints on my roll of life!
What worthless hours! to what use have I turned
The golden gifts which are my hope and pride!
My power of song, unto how base a use
Has it been put! with its pure ore I made
An idol, living only on the breath
Of idol worshippers. Alas! that ever
Praise should have been what praise has been to me—
The opiate of the mind!
Blanchard’s title is:
GIFTS MISUSED
Last four lines adapted from Poetic Fragment, Fifth Series - introduction, 17th December 1825, 'The opiate of my heart'