There Was a Time I Never Sighed

There Was a Time I Never Sighed

There was a day I never sigh'd;

There was a time I gladly sung:

Oh, how I wish that I had died,

When mind was pure and form was young.

If I were well, a father stoop'd,

Above my bed, to bless my sleep;

If I were ill, a mother droop'd,

And left my couch to think and weep.

My playmates were as brothers tried;

Yes, winter days had sunshine then;

I could not tell why people sigh'd;

Nor feel the cares of busy men.

Friends I have had, as kind and brave

As ever shared a pliant soul:

But now, affection's foe, the grave,

Has made the floods of sorrow roll.

And I have lost my tide, my time;

Cast off the robe of innocence;

Have nurtur'd pride; encourag'd crime;

Ah! flung away my best defence.

Repentance hangs upon my heart;

Sweet thoughts for all are in my mind;

I would not throw a venom'd dart -

O no! I never was unkind!

Yet, when my stream of tears is wide,

My willow'd harp to this is strung:

"O, how I wish that I had died,

When mind was pure and form was young."

C.E.E.

From the Crystal Hunter

1827.04.06