No human being
could have passed a happier
childhood than myself.
I threw the letter
on the table, and covered
my face with my hands.
The lady was dressed
in a dark suit and covered
with a thick black veil.
Many things I read
surpassed my understanding
and experience.
"But Paradise Lost
excited different and far
deeper emotions.
Who can describe their
horror and consternation
on beholding me?
And yet you are still
unhappy and still avoid
our society.
I entered the room
where the corpse lay and was led
up to the coffin.
I cannot doubt it,
yet I am lost in surprise
and admiration.
"This was my duty,
but there was another still
paramount to that.