Though day by day old hopes depart, Yet other hopes arise If still we bear a hopeful heart And forward-looking eyes.
Of all that entered hand in hand With me the dusty plains— Look round!—not one remains, Not one remains of all the jovial band.
Some fell behind, some hastened on; Some, scattered far and wide, Sought lands on every side; One way or other, all the band are gone.
Yes, all are gone; and yet, at night, New objects of desire People the sunken fire And new hopes whisper sweetly new delight;
And still, flush-faced, new goals I see, New finger-posts I find, And still thro’ rain and wind A troop of shouting hopes keep step with me.
Though day by day old hopes depart, Yet other hopes arise If still we bear a hopeful heart And forward-looking eyes.