University of Virginia Library


67

Of Hope.

To liue in Hope is helpe,
But Hope which feedes too long:
And bringes no helpe vntill Distresse,
Is rooted in among.
Then fy of lingering Hope,
That feedes our fancy so:
Yea fy of Hope againe I say,
When Hope bringes helpe to wo.
I hope, I hope in deede,
I hope what may befall:
I hope perchaunce more then is cause,
Tis that which marreth all.
Yet such are musing mindes,
To make of Hope a God:
Which say we Hope all shall be well,
And nothing shall he od.
But ah, that helpelesse Hope,
Tis that which I do blame:
Which hateth helpe, and heapeth wo,
Oh fy on that for shame.
Yet still to Hope some be,
In bondage and in thrall:
By whom they Hope for to haue helpe,
When so it doth befall.
Hope is helpe.