II.
Alone, yet not alone—for loneliness
The most entire is often felt in crowds,
Where friends are off’ring many a fond caress
To one, whose heart the deepest gloom enshrouds.
But there are those who ’mid the darkest clouds
Can smile the wreck of earthly joy to see,
And such are not alone; the water floods
Have swept their all away; but thought is free,
And thoughts are aye our most important company.