“THE HAPPIEST DAY.”

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

II. 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.

III. 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!

IV. The happiest day — the happiest hour Mine eyes shall see — have ever seen The brightest glance of pride and power I feel have been:

V. 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:

VI. For on its wing was dark alloy And as it fluttered — fell An essence — powerful to destroy A soul that knew it well.

Translation from the Greek.