Felicia Hemans - The Image in Lava lyrics

Thou thing of years departed! What ages have gone by, Since here the mournful seal was set By love and agony! Temple and tower have moulder'd, Empires from earth have pa**'d, And woman's heart hath left a trace Those glories to outlast! And childhood's fragile image Thus fearfully enshrin'd, Survives the proud memorials rear'd By conquerors of mankind. Babe! wert thou brightly slumbering Upon thy mother's breast, When suddenly the fiery tomb Shut round each gentle guest? A strange, dark fate o'ertook you, Fair babe and loving heart! One moment of a thousand pangs Yet better than to part! Haply of that fond bosom On ashes here impress'd, Thou wert the only treasure, child! Whereon a hope might rest. Perchance all vainly lavish'd Its other love had been, And where it trusted, nought remain'd But thorns on which to lean. Far better then to perish, Thy form within its clasp, Than live and lose thee, precious one! From that impa**ion'd grasp. Oh! I could pa** all relics Left by the pomps of old, To gaze on this rude monument, Cast in affection's mould. Love, human love! what art thou? Thy print upon the dust Outlives the cities of renown Wherein the mighty trust! Immortal, oh! immortal Thou art, whose earthly glow Hath given these ashes holiness It must, it must be so!