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Classic poem

Had I presumed to hope --

by Emily Dickinson

Had I presumed to hope --

The loss had been to Me

A Value -- for the Greatness' Sake --

As Giants -- gone away --

Had I presumed to gain

A Favor so remote --

The failure but confirm the Grace

In further Infinite --

'Tis failure -- not of Hope --

But Confident Despair --

Advancing on Celestial Lists --

With faint -- Terrestial power --

'Tis Honor -- though I die --

For That no Man obtain

Till He be justified by Death --

This -- is the Second Gain --

deathbeautyhopesolitudechoice
Public domain/Source

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