64

 64. 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.  Lazaret, Malta .  January 19, 1833.