Had I presumed to hope --

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 --

About Emily Dickinson

American poet known for her unconventional use of form and syntax. Most of her work was published posthumously.

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