55
At morning's dawn and evening's close,
The poignant pangs relentless rend;
And when the happy seek repose,
Thine agonizing woes descend.
The poignant pangs relentless rend;
And when the happy seek repose,
Thine agonizing woes descend.
When all in quiet rest recline,
Alone I feel the direful press
Of thy cold, heavy, marble hand,
That tortures with extreme distress
Alone I feel the direful press
Of thy cold, heavy, marble hand,
That tortures with extreme distress
Where'er I look, or seek for aid,
That darkening form is ever near,
And through its hovering, gloomy shade
No ray of hope can more appear.
That darkening form is ever near,
And through its hovering, gloomy shade
No ray of hope can more appear.
Why is this happy, peaceful home
Made the dire seat of thine abode,—
Where hope's bright smiles once softly shone,
And gentle quiet sweetly flowed?
Made the dire seat of thine abode,—
Where hope's bright smiles once softly shone,
And gentle quiet sweetly flowed?
O leave this lowly, humble seat!
Once more let mild contentment breathe
Enlivening solace through each heart,
That thy keen tortures cause to grieve.
Once more let mild contentment breathe
Enlivening solace through each heart,
That thy keen tortures cause to grieve.
Then shall each tranquil morn again
Be hailed with sounds of grateful joy;
And placid peace, with thoughts serene,
The soft declining hours employ,—
Be hailed with sounds of grateful joy;
And placid peace, with thoughts serene,
The soft declining hours employ,—
