Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Harrison SmithMorris

1279 Fickle Hope

HOPE, is this thy hand

Lies warm as life in mine?

Is this thy sign

Of peace none understand?

What! art thou not steadfast?

From off the blue air’s beach

Wilt lean and reach

The price of pity past?

I know not if I may

Believe thee, Hope, or doubt:

With pretty pout

Wilt flee, or wilt thou stay?