They say that Hope is happiness

They say that Hope is happiness --

But genuine Love must prize the past;

And mem'ry wakes the thoughts that bless

They rose the first -- they set the last.

And all that mem'ry loves the most

Was once our only hope to be:

And all that hope adored and lost

Hath melted into memory.

Alas! it is delusion all --

The future cheats us from afar,

Nor can we be what we recall,

Nor dare we think on what we are.