Base-Born

My parents had great joy, I wis,Of their young days of love.In thought they were as deathless gods,Mere human laws above:As deathless gods! But I?—alas!Of joy what can I tell?Who am but as a broken vaseBeside a brimming well.

My parents in each other's eyesBeheld the heavenly stars,And found in one another's armsThe bliss that heaven unbars:They vowed when pleasure brimmed the cupNone should resist its spell:They quaffed,—and emptied me of joy,Beside life's brimming well!