Classic Poem

1.

  Hope , of all Ills that men endure,
The only cheap and Universal Cure !
Thou Captives freedom , and Thou sick Mans Health !
Thou Losers Victo'ry , and thou Beggars wealth !
 Thou Manna , which from Heav'n we eat,
 To every Tast a several Meat !
Thou strong Retreat ! thou sure entail'd Estate ,
 Which nought has power to alienate !
Thou pleasant, honest Flatterer ! for none
Flatter unhappy Men , but thou alone!

2.

  Hope , thou First-fruits of Happiness !
Thou gentle Dawning of a bright Success !
Thou good Prepar'ative , without which our Joy
Does work too strong, and whilst it cures, destroy;
 Who out of Fortunes reach dost stand,
 And art a blessing still in hand !
Whilst Thee , her Earnest-Money we retain,
 We certain are to gain,
Whether she'her bargain break, or else fulfill;
Thou only good , not worse, for ending ill!

3.

  Brother of Faith , 'twixt whom and Thee
The joys of Heav'en and Earth divided be!
Though Faith be Heir , and have the fixt estate ,
Thy Portion yet in Moveables is great.
  Happiness it self's all one
 In Thee , or in possession !
Only the Future 's Thine , the present His !
 Thine's the more hard and noble bliss;
Best apprehender of our joys, which hast
So long a reach , and yet canst hold so fast !

4.

  Hope , thou sad Lovers only Friend !
Thou Way that mayst dispute it with the End !
For Love I fear's a fruit that does delight
The Tast it self less than the Smell and Sight .
  Fruition more deceitful is
 Than Thou canst be, when thou dost miss ;
Men leave thee by obtaining , and strait flee
 Some other way again to Thee ;
And that's a pleasant Country , without doubt,
To which all soon return that travel out.