Oh, 'twas a struggle fierce as life with death!
For, weaker grown, I scarcely could restrain
The varied feelings battling in my brain;
For Hope, Fear, Justice, in succession reigned,
Until Delirium conquered all again.
Then trembling Life o'erpower'd seemed to have fled,
And with a piercing scream she told them I was dead.
"But health and strength returning, by degrees
Brought to my mind that long-lost stranger Ease;
But weeks and weeks passed silently before