Ver Perpetuum. Fragment from an Unpublished Poem

The early Year's fast-flying vapours stray

In shadowing trains across the orb of day:

And we, poor Insects of a few short hours,

       &nbspDeem it a world of Gloom.

Were it not better hope a nobler doom,

Proud to believe that with more active powers

       &nbspOn rapid many-coloured wing

       &nbspWe thro' one bright perpetual Spring

Shall hover round the fruits and flowers,

Screen'd by those clouds and cherish'd by those showers!