University of Virginia Library

I LOOKED for that which is not, nor can be,
And hope deferred made my heart sick, in truth ;
But years must pass before a hope of youth
Is resigned utterly.

I watched and waited with a steadfast will :
And, tho' the object seemed to flee away
That I so longed for, ever, day by day,
I watched and waited still.

Sometimes I said,—" This thing shall be no more ;
My expectation wearies, and shall cease ;
I will resign it now, and be at peace :"—
Yet never gave it o'er.

Sometimes I said,—" It is an empty name
I long for ; to a name why should I give
The peace of all the days I have to live ?"—
Yet gave it all the same.

Alas ! thou foolish one,—alike unfit
For healthy joy and salutary pain,
Thou knowest the chase useless, and again
Turnest to follow it.