I WISH for the days of the olden time, <br />When the hours were told by the abbey chime, <br />When the glorious stars looked down through the midnigh dim, <br />Like approving saints on the choir's sweet hymn: <br />I think of the days we are living now, <br />And I sigh for those of the veil and the vow. <br /> <br />I would be content alone to dwell <br />Where the ivy shut out the sun from my cell, <br />With the death's-head at my side, and the missal on my knee, <br />Praying to that heaven which was opening to me: <br />Fevered and vain are the days I lead now, <br />And I sigh for those of the veil and the vow. <br /> <br />Silken broidery no more would I wear, <br />Nor golden combs in my golden hair; <br />I wore them but for one, and in vain they were worn; <br />My robe should be of serge, my crown of the thorn: <br />'Tis a cold false world we dwell in now, <br />And I sigh for the days of the veil and the vow. <br /> <br />I would that the cloister's quiet were mine; <br />In the silent depths of some holy shrine. <br /> <br />I would tell my blessed beads, and would weep away <br />From my inmost soul every stain of clay: <br />My heart's young hopes they have left me now, <br />And I sigh for the days of the veil and the vow.<br /><br />Letitia Elizabeth Landon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/furness-abbey/
