My doom is this: my joy was quick to die.

The chain of custom in the drowsy lair

Of some slain vision, is a weight to bear,

And both abhorr'd it,—thou as well as I.

Ah, God! 'tis tearful true; and I repent;

And like a dead, live man I live for this:—

To stand, unvalued, on a dream's abyss,

And be my own most piteous monument.

What! did I rob thee, Lady, of a kiss?

There, take it back; and frown; and be content!