I looked for that which is not, nor can be, br And hope deferred made my heart sick in truth: br But years must pass before a hope of youth br Is resigned utterly. br br I watched and waited with a steadfast will: br And though the object seemed to flee away br That I so longed for, ever day by day br I watched and waited still. br br Sometimes I said: This thing shall be no more; br My expectation wearies and shall cease; br I will resign it now and be at peace: br Yet never gave it o'er. br br Sometimes I said: It is an empty name br I long for; to a name why should I give br The peace of all the days I have to live?— br Yet gave it all the same. br br Alas, thou foolish one! alike unfit br For healthy joy and salutary pain: br Thou knowest the chase useless, and again br Turnest to follow it.