THE DARKEN'D VEIL

by: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

H could I raise the darken'd veil

Which hides my future life from me,

Could unborn ages slowly sail

Before my view -- and could I see

My every action painted there,

To cast one look I would not dare.

There poverty and grief might stand,

And dark Despair's corroding hand,

Would make me seek the lonely tomb

To slumber in its endless gloom.

Then let me never cast a look,

Within Fate's fix'd mysterious book.

• Nathaniel Hawthorne: Bibliography - A bibliography of the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne; includes a list of critical and biographical resources.
• Nathaniel Hawthorne Quotes - An index of quotations.
• Purchase books by Nathaniel Hawthorne