I Live in Hope of Better Days.

I live in hopes of better days,

And leave the present hour to chance,

Although so long my wish delays,

And still recedes as I advance:

Although hard fortune, too severe,

My life in mourning weeds arrays,

Nor in gay haunts may I appear,

I live in hopes of better days.

Though constant care my portion prove,

By long endurance patient grown,

Still with the time my wishes move,

Within my breast no murmur known:

Whate'er my adverse lot displays,

I live in hopes of better days.