When I Peruse the Conquer’d Fame

WHEN I peruse the conquer'd fame of heroes and the victories 
 of mighty generals, I do not envy the generals,
Nor the President in his Presidency, nor the rich in his great 
 house,
But when I hear of the brotherhood of lovers, how it was with 
 them,
How together through life, through dangers, odium, unchanging, 
 long and long,
Through youth and through middle and old age, how unfaltering, 
 how affectionate and faithful they were,
Then I am pensive—I hastily walk away fill'd with the bitterest 
 envy.