Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

FADED HOURS.

Oh! for my bright and faded hours,
When life was like a summer stream,
On whose gay banks the virgin flowers
Blush'd in the morning's rosy beam,
Or danc'd upon the breeze that bore
Its store of rich perfume along
While the wood robin poured his air
The ravishing delights of song.
The sun look'd from his lofty cloud.
While flow'd its sparkling waters fair,
And went upon its pathway proud,
And threw a brighter lustre there--
And smiled upon the golden heaven,
And on the earth's sweet loveliness,
Where light and joy, and song were given,
The glad and fairy scene to bless!
Ay, these were bright and joyous hours,
When youth awoke from boyhood's dreams,
To see life's Eden dress'd in flowers
While young
Hope bask'd in morning's
beam,
And proffered thanks to heaven above,
(While glowed his fond and grateful
breast,)
Who spread for him that scene of love,
And made him so supremely blest!
That scene of love where hath it gone?
Where have its charms and beauty fled?
My hours of youth that o'er me shone,
Where have their light and splendor fled?
Into the silent lapse of years-
And I am left on earth to mourn--
And I am left to drop my tears
O'er Mem'ry's lone and icy urn!
Yet, why pour forth the voice of wail,
O'er feeling's blighted coronal?
Ere many gorgeous suns shall fail,
I shall be gathered in my pall!
Oh! my dark hours on earth are few--
My hopes are crushed-my heart is riv'n,
And I shall soon bid life adieu.
To seek enduring joys in heaven!