FRAGMENT by THOMAS HOOD

I HAD a dream -- the summer beam
Play'd on the wings of merry hours --
(@3Made long long smiles of merry hours@1);
But Life 'gan throw a warp of woe,
Across its tapestry of flowers,
Fear's darker shade took form and made --
Like shadows darkling in light most sparkling.

The fragrant tombs amid the blooms
Of April in a garden ground
Show'd many a name that none could clai
Half-read between the roses round.
Unbanish'd clouds like coffin-shrouds
Neighbour'd the sun amid the blue,
And tearful streams mix'd with his beams,
Yet made no promise as they flew.

Young Hope indeed began to read
The prophecies with cheerful look,
But dark Despair look'd over there,
And wept black blots upon her book.
And scarce the form all bright and warm
Of Joy was woven into birth
When, like her shade, black Grief was laid
Prone at her feet along the earth.

Then do not chide -- the sunny side
Of monuments for Joy is made,
But Sorrow still must weep her fill
On those that lie beneath the shade.

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