The best beloved, because the last;

The star that shone above our bower,

When many a cherish'd dream had past,

The one sweet hope, that o'er us cast

Its rainbow'd form of life and light,

And smiled defiance on the blast,

Hath vanished from our eager sight.

Oh, sudden was the wrench that tore

Affection's firmest links apart;

And doubly barb'd the shaft we wore