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When I Peruse the Conquer'd Fame.

WHEN I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes, and the          victories of mighty generals, I do not envy the          generals,

Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in          his great house;

But when I read of the brotherhood of lovers, how it          was with them,

How through life, through dangers, odium, unchang-          ing, long and long,

Through youth, and through middle and old age, how          unfaltering, how affectionate and faithful they          were,

Then I am pensive—I hastily put down the book, and          walk away, fill'd with the bitterest envy.

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