Madmoments: or First Verseattempts By a Bornnatural. Addressed to the Lightheaded of Society at Large, by Henry Ellison |
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A THOUGHT. |
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 | Madmoments: or First Verseattempts |  |
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A THOUGHT.
1.
How happy do I feel this blessed Day,Which comes forth like a Vestal robed in White,
And with a Glory on her Head of bright
And dazzling Sunbeams—for this once I lay
Aside Time's heavy Burthen, cast away
My Sorrows, as a Snake his Skin, and light-
Ly move along, with boyant Heart and Sight
Pleased with each Leaflet trembling on its Spray:
Life's joyous Spirit is awake in me,
Fluttering within my Bosom like a new-
Fledged Bird— Oh Happiness could I but be
Ever the same: the inward Harmony
Thus calm and perfect, thus to Nature true,
As tho' her mighty Hand the full, sweet Accord drew!
2. CONTRAST TO THE ABOVE.
I know not wherefore, but e'en now, while nearMy Lips the Cup of Bliss is sparkling bright
As Nectar, held by Hope's own Hand, my Sight
Grows dull, and to mine Eye there starts a Tear!
The pale Ghost of some halfforgotten Fear
Flits dim before my Eyes, and to affright
The visionary Forms from Memory's Night
Arise, and whispering faintly in my Ear
Of Lips which of that Cup should taste with mine,
Push it aside, and spill all on the Ground!
How oft Man's highest Joy, his most divine
Is linked with Pain, as Echo to its Sound!
Joy overleaps himself— o'ersteps the Bound
Which parts them, thus their Essences combine!
| Madmoments: or First Verseattempts | |