Surprised
by Joy
by William Wordsworth
Surprised by joy — impatient as
the Wind
I turned to share the transport —
Oh! with whom
But thee, deep buried in the
silent tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude
can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled
thee to my mind —
But how could I forget thee?
Through what power,
Even for the least division of an
hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be
blind
To my most grievous loss! — That
thought’s return
Was the worst pang that sorrow
ever bore,
Save one, only one, when I stood
forlorn,
Knowing my heart’s best treasure
was no more;
That neither present time, nor
years unborn
Could to my sight that heavenly
face restore.