The Happiest Day

The happiest day--the happiest hour My seared and blighted heart hath known, The highest hope of pride and power, I feel hath flown. 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.