God be prais'd, that to believing souls, Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair

Now, God be praised, that to believing souls gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.

But hope is no less realistic than despair. It is still our choice whether to live in light or lie down in darkness.

He who has never hoped can never despair.

If thou dost slander her and torture me, Never pray more; abandon all remorse; On horror's head horrors accumulate; Do deeds to make heaven weep, all earth amazed; For nothing canst thou to damnation add Greater than that.

But, O thou tyrant, Do not repent these things, for they are heavier Than all thy woes can stir. Therefore betake thee To nothing but despair.