What is thy hope? How oft the word we use!
But canst thou give a reason for thy hope
As through what seems unending gloom ye grope,
Till, losing hope, all comfort ye refuse?
Ah, it is thine; aye, it is thine to choose
The dismal dirge, or gain the key to ope
The door to freedom—Soul's unbounded scope—
And take the good that man can never lose!
Lift up! Lift up thy dormant thought and see
Thy holy heritage, which Truth unveils!
No faltering, fearful hope—if hope it be!
Gain understanding's hope, which never fails:
True hope is anchored in eternal Mind,
Where needful good we long for we may find.
