That which beguiles my loneliness, and takes

Its charm and change from the surrounding scene.

Oh! how unwelcome often are to me

The gayest, most exhilarating sounds!

When slow and sickly Memory, tempted forth

By dint of soft persuasion, brings to light

His treasures—and, with childish eagerness,

Arranges and collects—then suddenly

To have him startled by discordance, drag,

Without discrimination, all away—