Had I presumed to hope

Had I presumed to hope—

The loss had been to Me

A Value—for the Greatness’ Sake—

As Giants—gone away—

Had I presumed to gain

A Favor so remote—

The failure but confirm the Grace

In further Infinite—

‘Tis failure—not of Hope—

But Confident Despair—

Advancing on Celestial Lists—

With faint—Terrestial power—

‘Tis Honor—though I die—

For That no Man obtain

Till He be justified by Death—

This—is the Second Gain—