Sonnet III. to Hope

As in the winding road of life we stray, With scenes of joy beset and scenes of care, Wisdom may guide, but cannot deck our way, Her chosen mandate ever was 'Beware.' Her beams but tend our dangers to display, And warn our lingering step from Pleasure's snare; Like the sepulchral Lamp whose dismal glare But serves with sights of sorrow to affray. Yet, Hope, dear Goddess! thy enchanting sway Awakes the soul to other objects fair: O ever let thy favourable ray Exile the fatal shadows of Despair; To thy bright paradise my mind convey, And prospects large of future bliss declare.