Quote by Lord (George Gordon) Byron, Lett
But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Summary
This quote suggests that Hope is merely an illusion or facade that disguises the harsh realities of life. It implies that Hope stems from a thin layer of superficiality that easily fades away when confronted with the truth. Once the truth is revealed, it becomes apparent that the object of Hope is empty and deceitful, akin to a gaunt prostitute. Overall, the quote reflects a pessimistic view of Hope, highlighting its ephemeral nature and its potential to lead to disappointment.