Delusive Hope

In the bright days of early youth,
 Hope told a fond, delusive tale
Of lasting friendship, holy truth,
 And steadfast love which ne'er should fail.
I listened to the flattering strain
 With all the fire of ardent youth;
And long I sought, but sought in vain,
 To find the dwelling-place of truth.
Though many in her garb appeared,
 Assumed her name and simple mien,
Ere long the vile deceit was cleared,
 And all the hypocrite was seen.
And friendship, too, though long and loud
 Her voice I 've heard in many a place,
Among the fickle, thoughtless crowd,
 I never have beheld her face.
Love, next, its bright and glittering chain
 Around the captive fancy threw;
But soon its vows proved false and vain
 As the chameleon's changeful hue.
Now, when the hopes and joys are dead
 That gladdened once the heart of youth,
All the romantic visions fled
 That told of friendship, love and truth,
Turn we unto that steadfast friend
 Who guards our steps where'er they rove,
Whose power supports us to the end,
 Whose word is truth, whose name is love.