From inward cankering. The face of man,
The voice of friendship, and affection’s smile
Again had light for him. But in his heart
There was a hollowness, a fearful void
That naught could fill. The power of love seemed gone,
But yet his soul, yearned ardently for love,
With unquenched thirst. No more could Beauty’s smile
Or her bright glances, kindle in his breast
A living warmth. He would have given worlds
To feel its vital strength revive again