Classic Poem

Yes , tell me 'tis hopeless — my spirit is such
That nothing but sadness can enter it more;
I have trusted to love and to friendship too much,
And am bankrupt of all that I treasured before!
Like flowers that in darkness their nutriment find,
Yet close their sad eyes when the morning appears,
So the hopeless and dark are the food of my mind;
The dew of my heart is the night-fall of tears!

Yes, tell me 'tis hopeless — 'tis better to grow
Familiar with sorrow, and welcome its name;
Yet that she could be false — could betray me — but, no,
Such feeling is folly — such weakness is shame!
Oh, once — but the time and the spirit are gone —
My heart like an eagle could soar, though opprest;
Though hoping were hopeless I still could hope on —
But now I hope nothing — ask nothing — but rest!