midnight
extended on the ` bier , The form of the departed year Closely wrapt , in snowy shroud , Hastening to join the sable crowd Of years -- that passed before the flood , And left their pathway stained with blood ; For oh , what horrors must appear , Written on each departed year ? The fearful tales each will disclose , The God of Heaven only knows . Ardent and bright this year arose , -- Pictured its joys and hid its woes , Painted gay paths bestrown with flowers , And balmy skies , and sunny hours , Promised some pleasures , ever new , If pleasures ' path we would pursue . But soon the path became uptorn , Instead of flowers we find the thorn : And yonder sky , so blue and deep , Where golden stars their vigils keep , -- Was soon by frowning clouds concealed ; And lightnings flash 'd , and thunders peal 'd The golden sun soon sank to rest , Behind the curtains of the west , And left to darkness his domain , With midnight howling o'er the plain ; And those who followed her gay train , Found pleasure 's path to end in pain . For who e'er drank without alloy , From the painted cup of joy ? Just as we seize some radiant prize , That long has danc 'd before our eyes , And raise the goblet to our lip , Its honied promises to sip . Some lurking scorpion 's venom 'd dart Sends poison rankling to the heart .