I seek in solitude a peaceful hour,

Nor deem that others who are gay are wrong,

If midst multipled cares they have such power.

But I would commune with my heavy heart

Beneath the foliage of this lonely bower;

Perchance a soothing vision here may start,

Or at my feet may rise some tender flower,

Refreshing to the wounded spirit’s thirst,

Which for the moment I may call my own,

Unlike the hopes and buds that gladdened first,