Dickinson’s speaker isn’t grieving a lost hope—she’s explaining why she never risked it. To presume hope for something grand would have made the loss immense, like watching giants disappear. Instead, she settles into “Confident Despair,” a state where failure is a foregone conclusion, yet it brings a quiet, almost spiritual certainty. This despair isn’t passive defeat; she pictures it moving “Advancing on Celestial Lists,” tallying heavenly merits with only faint earthly strength. The mood is austere and oddly elevated—a blend of resignation and hidden triumph. She insists there’s honor in this posture, something no living person can fully possess until death justifies it. That final justification, she calls the “Second Gain,” a victory won by refusing to grasp at distant favors and finding a stark, dignified peace in the surrender.
Had I presumed to hope -- — Summary
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 --