Classic Poem

I THOUGHT the world was cold and dull,
That clouds on clouds were darkly piled,
All bleak and sombre, anguish-full —
I fancied this till Cathos smiled.

I thought the world was warm and bright,
That mirth and laughter floated round
The heart's bright chambers day and night —
I fancied this till Cathos frowned.

She frowns, she smiles, by turns my heart
Is sad, is glad — its ev'ry tone
Of gay or grave she doth impart
By that strange magic all her own.

But let me only laugh or weep,
I would not have another gain
Those frowns, those smiles which she doth keep
To woo my tears, to ease my pain.