Classic Poem

WHEREIN HE LAMENTS HIS TWOFOLD LOSS IN LAURA AND COLONNA

The lofty Column and the Laurel fall
That gave pavilion to my heart's despair;
I shall not find their equal anywhere,
Though every sea I search and wind and wall.
My double wealth — lost, lost beyond recall
Life's pride and pleasure mated for me there:
Lands cannot buy them back nor kings unsnare,
Nor gold nor gems deliver them at all.
Against this doom what strength to consecrate
Save that of tears that blind these futile eyes,
Save the bowed head, the clenched fists at the Gate!
Ah, life that seems so rich with ecstasies,
Yet can in one swift morning dissipate
What we had gained with years and many sighs!