On me rests heavy, like dull debauch.

But of by-gone days the grief, like wine

In my soul the older, the stronger 't grows.

Dark my path. Toil and pain promised are me

By the Future's roughened sea.

But not Death, O friends, I wish!

But Life I wish: to think and suffer;

Well I know, for me are joys in store

'Mid struggles, toils, and sorrows:

Yet' gain at times shall harmony drink in

And tears I'll shed over Fancy's fruit, -

Yet mayhap at my saddened sunset

Love will beam with farewell and smile.

1830.

SORROW.

ASK not why with sad reflection

'Mid gayety I oft am darkened,

Why ever cheerless eyes I raise,

Why sweet life's dream not dear to me is;

Ask not why with frigid soul

I - joyous love no longer crave,

And longer none I call dear:

Who once has loved, not again can love;

Who bliss has known, ne'er again shall know;

For one brief moment to us 't is given:

Of youth, of joy, of tenderness

Is left alone the sadness.

1817.

DESPAIR.

DEAR my friend, we are now parted,

My soul's asleep; I grieve in silence.

Gleams the day behind the mountain blue,

Or rises the night with moon autumnal, -

Still thee I seek, my far off friend,

Thee alone remember I everywhere,

Thee alone in restless sleep I see.