The Happiest Day, the Happiest Hour

My sear'd and blighted heart has known,

The brightest glance of pride and power

I feel hath flown —

Of power, said I? Yes, such I ween —

But it has vanish'd—long alas!

The visions of my youth have been —

But let them pass. —

And pride! what have I now with thee?

Another brow may e'en inherit

The venom thou hast pour'd on me:

Be still my spirit.

The smile of love—soft friendship's charm —

Bright hope itself has fled at last,

'T will ne'er again my bosom warm—

'Tis ever past.

The happiest day,—the happiest hour,

Mine eyes shall see,—have ever seen, —

The brightest glance of pride and power,

I feel has been. W. H. P.