DEAD HOPES.
Reading edition
When Love was young, and in his prime, And in deception not yet skilled, I found that guile was in his heart, E’en as with saw-dust dolls were filled. Alas! Though sad the lesson was, And with the deepest misery fraught; The lesson has not been in vain, Though ’tis experience dearly bought. I had a loved, and trusted friend, But when I found she was untrue, I plucked her image from my heart; No more for friendship will I sue. Today Love pleads to me in vain; For nevermore shall I him trust. When once deception comes to us, Dead hopes henceforth are only dust.