Regret, like pale-faced nun in tears,
Has followed me for many years;
On Alpine heights, where hue on hue —
Glory on glory, met my view;
Beside the giant pyramids
Where morning opes her dainty lids;
Or under far Hesperian skies
Where daylight softly, sweetly dies.
No matter whither I have gone
In all this beauteous world below,
That dark-robed shade has followed on
With large sad eyes and face of snow.

But wherefore? wherefore? soul, canst say?
Alas! it seems but yesterday
Hot anger seized his ready bow
And winged a shaft that laid love low.
'Twas in a moment, yet an age
Can ne'er atone that moment's rage;
It swept like fierce Sirocco's breath,
And left behind a track of death;
And do my best — go where I will —
In all this barren world below,
That gloomy shadow follows still
With large sad eyes and face of snow.