Classic Poem

Hope ! thou firm anchor of the soul,
Sweet antidote of every sorrow:
That canst to-day's distress controul,
Thro' expectation of to-morrow;
Thou that with kindly hand dost bear,
The vassals yoke, the captive's chain,
That canst assuage our every care,
And mitigate each rankling pain.
Cheer with thy smile the drooping heart,
Shew future pleasures fair to view,
That whilst we feel the instant smart,
We may the distant bliss pursue:
'Tis thine alone to soften every care,
Life to prolong and dissipate despair.