Johnson on Hope and Fear

Where then shall Hope and Fear their objects find?

Must dull Suspence corrupt the stagnant mind?

Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate,

Roll darkling down the torrent of his fate?

Must no dislike alarm, no wishes rise,

No Cries attempt the mercies of the skies?

Enquirer, cease, petitions yet remain,

Which heav'n may hear, nor deem religion vain.

Still raise for good the supplicating voice,

But leave to heav'n the measure and the choice,

Safe in his pow'r, whose eyes discern afar

The secret ambush of a specious pray'r.

Implore his aid, in his decisions rest,

Secure whatre'er he gives, he gives the best.

Yet when the sense of sacred presence fires,

And strong devotion to the sky aspires,

Pour forth thy fervours for a healthful mind,

Obedient passions, and a will resign'd;

For love which scarce collective man can fill;

For patience sov'reign o'er transmuted ill;

For faith, that panting for a happier seat;

Counts death kind Nature's signal of retreat:

These goods for man the laws of heav'n ordain,

These goods he grants, who grants the pow'r to gain;

And makes the happiness she does not find.

—Samuel Johnson, “The Vanity of Human Wishes” (1749) in: The Poems of Samuel Johnson pp. 47-48.