Hope.
Reading edition
Hope, with a rich enchanting light, Allures us gaily on; That, when we think to grasp the prize, Just flickers and is gone. Its lambent flame again appears, And we renew the chase; But soon our smiles are turned to tears— We’re baffled in the race! Earth’s hopes are like the meteor-lights That spread the moorland far, But heavenly hope eternal shines Serenely as a star. A star which, viewed with steadfast eye, Gives forth a purer ray, And guiding onwards brightly glows Refulgent as the day. Its rich beams falling on the earth Illume the clouds of care; And, harbinger of lasting peace, Imprint a rainbow there.