ILLUSIVE hope, though oft deceived by thee, The heart still clings and will not let thee go, Last specious anchor left in stress of woe, When tossed about on life's tempestuous sea. Adroit deceiver, yet beguiling me, Thy willing dupe, I cannot count thee foe, While mid the raging battle's frantic throe Thy flag still glimmers, faint perhaps, yet free. Thus are we lured along the doubtful way By fitful confidence in promise bright Of hope's fair star, whose intermittent ray Now leaves us groping in the murky night; Until it melts into eternal day, When we may walk in heaven's transcendent light. |