The Light of Other Days

OFT, in the stilly night, 
   Ere slumber's chain has bound me, 
Fond Memory brings the light 
   Of other days around me: 
   The smiles, the tears 
   Of boyhood's years, 
   The words of love then spoken; 
   The eyes that shone, 
   Now dimm'd and gone, 
   The cheerful hearts now broken! 
Thus, in the stilly night, 
   Ere slumber's chain has bound me, 
Sad Memory brings the light 
   Of other days around me. 

When I remember all 
   The friends, so link'd together, 
I've seen around me fall 
   Like leaves in wintry weather, 
   I feel like one 
   Who treads alone 
   Some banquet-hall deserted, 
   Whose lights are fled, 
   Whose garlands dead, 
   And all but he departed! 
Thus, in the stilly night, 
   Ere slumber's chain has bound me. 
Sad Memory brings the light 
   Of other days around me.

by Thomas Moore