The Return Home, 1

On my life, a life of darkness,
Once a vision sweet shone bright;
Now that vision sweet hath faded,
And I’m veil’d in utter night.

When in darkness children wander,
Soon their spirits die away,
And to overcome their terror,
Some loud song straight carol they.

I, a foolish child, am singing
In the darkness spread around;
Though my song may give no pleasure,
Yet mine anguish it hath drown’d.