from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:

 

¶   Hope.

I Gave to Hope a watch of mine: but he
                                 An anchor gave to me.
Then an old prayer-book I did present:
                                 And he an optick sent.
With that I have a viall full of tears:
                                 But he a few green eares.
Ah Loyterer! I’le no more, no more I’le bring:
                                 I did expect a ring.

 

A Worksheet:
I Gave Hope Hope Gave Me
watch anchor
old prayerbook optick [magnifying glass]
viall full of tears a few green ears
Nothing. Nada. Zero. Zip. Zilch. NO RING
What are my expectations? What is Hope's lesson?
Anchor: the Christian Symbol of Hope

Semi-irrelevant note: John Donne sent a ring to several of his friends, George Herbert being one. The ring depicted Christ crucified on an anchor with the inscription "The cross is my anchor."

Modern version
Destinations
1633 Poem Index George Herbert & The Temple Home Page