I.
DESPAIR—THE ABYSS.
O dread abyss, narrow, but dark and deep,
Still baffling all that men may do or dare
To read the secrets of thy jealous care,
The mystery that thy shuddering caverns keep,
Over thy cruel mouth the earth I heap,
Hiding my treasure like a miser there.
My hollow doubting voice I lift in prayer;
With ghastly lips I say: “’Tis but a sleep,
And I shall find my loved one freed from sorrow,