I.

Oh human hearts, that nurture fond designs, While shattering Fate his iron moulds doth fill! Oh, loving breasts unwarned by direst signs, The present joy-burst blindly hugging still! Impregnable redoubt of Human Will! Less strong than thine is San Sebastian’s wall. The ruin-clinging ivy Time can kill, But not avert thy worship from its thrall, Till comes the destined hour, and instant bids thee fall!