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 diligent Despair
Advancing on celestial lists
With faint terrestrial power—

'Tis Honor—though I die
For that no man obtain
Till he be justified by Death—
This is the second gain!