Classic Poem

Ah why, deluding Hope! ah why so bright
Is thy sweet sunshine to our senses shown?
Why o'er the distant prospect hast thou thrown
So fair the dazzling radiance of thy light,
If, when its rays fond thoughts of joy excite,
If, when its warmth our kindling bosoms own,
Away at once both warmth and light are flown,
And dark and drear succeeds Grief's dismal night?
Ah, cruel Hope! fair in my life's gay morn,
Fair didst thou gild one beauteous blossom's bloom;
And I rejoiced the while; nor feared the doom
That now has left my rest of life forlorn,
That now has left me here to weep, and mourn
Her that lies buried in the silent tomb.