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 youth Is resigned utterly. I watched and waited with a steadfast will : And, tho' the object seemed to flee away That I so longed for, ever, day by day, I 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 name I long for ; to a name why should I give The peace of all the days I have to live ?"-- Yet gave it all the same. Alas ! thou foolish one,--alike unfit For healthy joy and salutary pain, Thou knowest the chase useless, and again Turnest to follow it.