Classic Poem

Lonely, I my plaint must utter,
Here in Night's consoling breast:
I must shun the gay crowd's flutter,
Swiftly fly from song and jest.

Lonely still my tears are flowing,
Ever flowing silent down;
But the heart's fierce ardours glowing,
Floods of tears can never drown.

Once a joyous boy, light-hearted,
Played I many a merry game;
Happy on life's race I started,
Knowing nought of grief and shame.

All the world was but a garden,
Gay with every flower that blows,
I had but to serve as warden
To the violet, jasmine, rose.

Dreaming sweetly in the meadow,
In the brook my face I'd see;
Now when it reflects my shadow,
White and wan it stares at me.

Yes, a haggard man I'm growing,
Since my eyes on her did rest;
Secret pain my heart is gnawing,
Wondrous change has racked my breast.

In my heart I long had cherished,
Angels smiling peacefully;
But in sorrow they have vanished
To their home beyond the sky.

Blackest night my sight is bounding,
Hostile shadows threaten grim;
In my breast a strange voice sounding
Sadly sings a mournful hymn.

Now strange pain, and novel anguish,
Whelm me in their savage flow;
And in deepest grief I languish,
All my heart-strings torn with woe.

But, my love, that in my bosom
Flames are raging without pause,
That my youth dies in its blossom,
Thou alone, love, art the cause.