A Pause of Thought

I looked for that which is not, nor can be,And hope deferred made my heart sick in truth:But years must pass before a hope of youthIs resigned utterly.

I watched and waited with a steadfast will:And though the object seemed to flee awayThat I so longed for, ever day by dayI watched and waited still.

Sometimes I said: This thing shall be no more;My expectation wearies and shall cease;I will resign it now and be at peace:Yet never gave it o'er.

Sometimes I said: It is an empty nameI long for; to a name why should I giveThe peace of all the days I have to live?—Yet gave it all the same.

Alas, thou foolish one! alike unfitFor healthy joy and salutary pain:Thou knowest the chase useless, and againTurnest to follow it.