Written At My Chamber Window After Unhappy Dreams. Poem by Susan Evance

FLY, terrifying visions, fly-
Children of night and fancy born!
For see, the thinly-clouded sky
Glows with the orient blush of morn.

Far hence on swiftest wings depart;
And let this lovely tranquil scene
Convey to my desponding heart
Its gentle smile, its joy serene.

Then hope will re-assume her reign;
And shew the happy moment near
When I shall fondly meet again
The friends from infancy most dear.

But no, alas, it will not be!
For memory, still with footstep true,
Retraces scenes of misery,
And points them to my shudd'ring view.

She leads me to the couch of pain,
Where late distracted Fancy laid
A dying Mother- whilst in vain
I strove methought to yield her aid.

With agonies which none can tell,
I mark'd her shortening- shortening breath
I took a tender last farewell-
And then- ah then! she sunk in death.

Why do my tears thus swiftly fall?
Why feels my sad heart so forlorn?
'Twas wild Imagination all-
And now her frantic dreams are gone.

But thus, ah vainly! reason tries
To give my sickening soul relief;
Assist me, gracious Heaven, to rise
Above this visionary grief.

O turn my languid eyes to view
Life's real scenes- where sweetly blow
Affection's flow'rs of liveliest hue,
And where the beams of pleasure glow

And then, these gloomy thoughts away
Like early clouds, shall swiftly roll;
For Gratitude's refulgent ray
Will gild and animate my soul.