LXIV + 

A Blight + 

What time my heart unfolded its fresh leaves + 

In springtime gay, and scatter’d flowers around, + 

A whisper warn’d of earth’s unhealthy ground, + 

And all that there love’s light and pureness grieves; + 

Sun’s ray and canker-worm, + 

And sudden-whelming storm;⁠— + 

But, ah! my self-will smiled, nor reck’d the gracious sound. + 

So now defilement dims life’s memory-springs; + 

I cannot hear an early-cherish’d strain, + 

But first a joy, and then it brings a pain⁠— + 

Fear, and self-hate, and vain remorseful stings: + 

Tears lull my grief to rest, + 

Not without hope, this breast + 

May one day lose its load, and youth yet bloom again. + 