Bliss, past Man’s power to paint it; Time’s, to close!
This hope is earth’s most estimable prize:
This is man’s portion, while no more than man: 1460
Hope, of all passions, most befriends us here;
Passions of prouder name befriend us less.
Joy has her tears; and Transport has her death;
Hope, like a cordial, innocent, though strong,
Man’s heart, at once, inspirits, and serenes;
Nor makes him pay his wisdom for his joys;
’Tis all our present state can safely bear,