The Happiest Day, The Happiest Hour

by Edgar Allan Poe

The happiest day, the happiest hour
My seared and blighted heart hath known,
The highest hope of pride and power,
I feel hath flown.

Of power, said I? yes! such I ween;
But they have vanished long, alas!
The visions of my youth have been --
But let them pass.

And, pride, what have I now with thee?
Another brow may even inherit
The venom thou hast poured on me --
Be still, my spirit!

The happiest day, the happiest hour
Mine eyes shall see -- have ever seen,
The brightest glance of pride and power,
I feel -- have been.

But were that hope of pride and power
Now offered, with the pain
Even then I felt, -- that brightest hour
I would not live again.

For on its wing was dark alloy,
And, as it fluttered, fell
An essence, powerful to destroy
A soul that knew it well.