His clotted locks he backward threw, From blood and mist1 to clear his sight, The stream of life's exhausted tide, Scott's "Lady of the Lake," Canto v. HOPE ON, HOPE EVER. Hope on, hope ever! though to-day be dark, 3 Thy loneliness, and guerdon 3 all thy sorrow! Though thou must toil 'mong cold and sordid men, With none to echo back thy thought, or love thee, Cheer up, poor heart! thou dost not beat in vain, For God is over all, and heaven above theeHope on, hope ever. The iron may enter in and pierce thy soul, The tears of misery, thy bitter dole," Can never quench thy true heart's seraph yearning 'Mist. Roderick's eyes were becoming dim from his loss of blood. 2 Erring, wandering from the mark. 3 Guerdon, to reward. 4 Sordid, base, mean. Dole, portion or share. For better things: nor crush thy ardour's trust, I know 'tis hard to bear the sneer and taunt,— While rich rogues in their stolen luxury nestle; Hope on, hope ever! after darkest night, Comes, full of loving life, the laughing Morning ; Hope on, hope ever! Spring-tide, flushed with light, Aye crowns old Winter with her rich adorning. Hope on, hope ever! yet the time shall come When man to man shall be a friend and brother; And this old world shall be a happy home, And all Earth's family love one another! Hope on, hope ever. Gerald Massey. 1 Embruted, made brutish or savage. Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. |