An old desire

I searched thro' memory's lumber-room

And there I found an old desire,

I took it gently from the gloom

To cherish by my scanty fire.

And all the night a sweet-voiced one,

Sang of the place my loves abide,

'Til Earth leaned over from the dawn

And hid the last star in her side.

And often since, when most alone,

I ponder on my old desire,

But never hear the sweet-voiced one,

And there are ruins in my fire.