| Higginson and Bigelow, comps. American Sonnets. 1891. | | | | The day has past | | By William Ellery Channing (18181901) |
| | | THE DAY has past, I never may return; | |
| Twelve circling years have run since first I came, | |
| And kindled the pure truth of Friendships flame, | |
| Alone remain these ashes in the urn; | |
| Vainly for light the taper may I turn, | 5 |
| Thy hand is closed, as for these years, the same, | |
| And in the substance nought is but the name, | |
| No more a hope, no more a ray to burn. | |
| But once more in the pauses of thy joy, | |
| Remember him who sought thee in his youth, | 10 |
| And with the old reliance of the boy, | |
| Asked for thy Treasures in the guise of truth; | |
| The air is thick with sighs,the shaded sun | |
| Shows on the Hill-side, that the day is done. | | | | |
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