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Read the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
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The Happiest Day

by Edgar Allan Poe
(1809-1849)

The happiest day —the happiest hour
My seared and blighted heart hath known,
The highest hope of pride and power,
I feel hath flown.

Of power! said I? Yes! such I ween
But they have vanished long, alas!
The visions of my youth have been —
But let them pass.

And pride, what have I now with thee?
Another brow may ev'n inherit
The venom thou hast poured on me —
Be still my spirit!

The happiest day —the happiest hour
Mine eyes shall see —have ever seen,
The brightest glance of pride and power
I feel have been:

But were that hope of pride and power
Now offered with the pain
Ev'n then I felt —the brightest hour
I would not live again:

For on its wings was dark alloy
And as it fluttered —fell
An essence —powerful to destroy
A soul that knew it well.
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