Two Brothers

A comrade I possess of sterling worth,
Honest and true he is from head to heel.
When sorrow's chill and windy blasts I feel

He will around me fold the cloak of mirth.
If I, my country's fate considering,
Am sad, depressed and almost moved to tears.

My dear companion forthwith then appears,
Saying, "Cheer up, this is no manly thing!"

"Be patient now," he whispers, "rouse, dear friend,
A better fate will come, and, once again,
Will heaven's good graces and good will attain

It yet will help our poor forsaken land."

If hopeless love has made me sore at heart
And resignation holds me grieved and dumb,
My friend then tarries not, but soon doth come

Saying: "Be of good cheer; a child thou art.

"Loose not thy faith;" such is his soothing way —
"Although is seems that she, on whom was spent
Love's capital, is quite indifferent,

She will all this with interest repay."
This train of thought leads me to think, alas!
That I so poor, so impecunious am;

Again I hear the cheering epigram:
"This hopeless state of things thou wilt see pass."

"Be patient, friend; the time will soon arrive
When thou cold rooms no more will occupy;
And when frost's crystal flowers shall beautify

Thy window-panes, and there on them shall thrive."
Thus flows my dear companion's cheering speech
Till I forget my sorrow and my care;
And all around me grow'eth bright and fair;

My soul hath landed on a happy beach;

This friend whom I am ever glad to meet,
A haughty brother has, with laugh and sneer
For my companion's way of giving cheer,

Whom he delights most shamefully to beat.
This brother is a stern and churlish man;
He drives my friend away and smites his face.

Yet can no usage ill his love efface;
He will return again whene'er he can.
And must I tell you who this friend may be,
Whom to possess is now my happy lot?
"Hope" is his name. Who knows .and loves him

not?

His sterner brother is "Reality."