And cadences of plaintive woe

Dispel each little note of gladness.

My daily life goes 'round and 'round,

And rest for me is never found;

The sobbing dirges of distress

Are more than songs of happiness;

The shadows of despairing doom

Condemn to-day and curse to-morrow,

And muffled terrors fill the gloom

Which offers anguish to my sorrow.