Hope was but a timid friend; br She sat without the grated den, br Watching how my fate would tend, br Even as selfish-hearted men. br br She was cruel in her fear; br Through the bars, one dreary day, br I looked out to see her there, br And she turned her face away! br br Like a false guard, false watch keeping, br Still, in strife, she whispered peace; br She would sing while I was weeping; br If I listened, she would cease.