We love, but joy not in the ray,--

It is not summer's fervid gladness,

But a melancholy glory

Hov'ring brightly round decay,

Like swan that sings her own sad story,

Ere she floats in death away.

The day declines.--What splendid dyes,

In flicker'd waves of crimson driven,

Float o'er the saffron sea, that lies

Glowing within the western heaven!