A shadow, dark as death

A shadow, dark as death, o'er shrouds the beams
Of my pale birth-star !--it so long hath hung
Between the light of happiness, and me,
That I am chill'd with its cold gloominess
E'en to the heart. Oh! I have watch'd in vain,
With hope's most deep intensity, to catch
The bursting forth of but one glorious gleam
Of joy's blest sunshine, through that envious veil.--
Tis there !--still there !--and will not pass away !
Like the black banner of despair, 'tis spread
O'er the dim planet of my destiny !--