I dreamed and did not seek: to-day I seek

Who can no longer dream;

But now am all behindhand, waxen weak,

And dazed amid so many things that gleam

Yet are not what they seem.

I dreamed and did not work: to-day I work

Kept wide awake by care

And loss, and perils dimly guessed to lurk;

I work and reap not, while my life goes bare

And void in wintry air.

I hope indeed; but hope itself is fear

Viewed on the sunny side;

I hope, and disregard the world that’s here,

The prizes drawn, the sweet things that betide;

I hope, and I abide.