Ah! ego non aliter tristes evincere morbos br Optarem, quam te sic quoque velle putem. br br On every tree, in every plain, br I trace the jovial spring in vain; br A sickly langour veils mine eyes, br And fast my waning vigour flies. br br Nor flowery plain, nor budding tree, br That smile on others, smile on me; br Mine eyes from death shall court repose, br Nor shed a tear before they close. br br What bliss to me can seasons bring? br Or what the needless pride of spring? br The cypress bough, that suits the bier, br Retains its verdure all the year.