Life-Weariness

Last night, much tired with work and anxious thought,When I at last upon my couch reclined,Discouragement so evilly had wroughtOn throbbing heart and overwearied mind,—'Twere well, I said, if I woke nevermoreFrom that deep slumber which will soon be mine,For in life's combat, until all is o'er,Aid comes not, either human or divine:What solace or delight doth fate provideFor the expense of so much painful breath,Since all must reach at last oblivion's tide,And good and ill alike are paid with death!And then I slept and dreamt a happy dreamOf a sunny landscape and a murmuring stream.