An Old Man's Wish

I have lived, and I have loved,
Have lived and loved in vain ;

Some joys, and many woes have proved.
That may not be again ;
My heart is cold, my eye is sere,
Joy wins no smile, and grief no tear.
Fain would I hope, if hope I could,
If sure to be deceived,
There s comfort in a thought of good,

Tho' 'tis not quite believed ;
For sweet is hope's wild warbled air,
But, oh ! its echo is despair.