Classic Poem

False hopes are bankrupts both of time and youth —
The shadows which king Cepheus sons did chase —
The pools which fled from Tantalus' thirsty mouth, —
Go hence from me, and take your dwelling place
With such cameleons as can live on air —
With such as bow unto their own disgrace.
Thurinus sought for good and solid ware,
For me, I'd rather cherish true despair,
Than entertain such hopes as do betray me;
Yea, I would rather stoop to such a care
As cuts me short, than such as do waylay me.
A hopeless life is arm'd against all pain;
It doubleth grief, to hope and not t' obtain.