The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 5

”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.

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 feet 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.

1827.