Yet a Little While

I dreamed and did not seek: to-day I seek
    Who can no longer dream;
But now am all behindhand, waxen weak,
  And dazed amid so many things that gleam
    Yet are not what they seem.

I dreamed and did not work: to-day I work
    Kept wide awake by care
And loss, and perils dimly guessed to lurk;
  I work and reap not, while my life goes bare
    And void in wintry air.

I hope indeed; but hope itself is fear
    Viewed on the sunny side;
I hope, and disregard the world that's here,
  The prizes drawn, the sweet things that betide;
    I hope, and I abide.