Versos English Christopher Smart Against Despair

English poem

Against Despair

by (1722–1771)

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A raven once an Acorn took From Bashan's tallest stoutest tree; He hid it by a limpid brook, And liv'd another oak to see.

Thus Melancholy buries Hope, Which Providence keeps still alive, And bids us with afflictions cope, And all anxiety survive.