Yet still we hug the dear deceit.

Nathaniel Cotton (1707-1788): Content. Vision iv.

Was ever book containing such vile matter

So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell

In such a gorgeous palace!

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Romeo and Juliet. Act iii. Sc. 2.

When I consider life, 't is all a cheat.

Yet fool'd with hope, men favour the deceit;

Trust on, and think to-morrow will repay.

To-morrow's falser than the former day;

Lies worse, and while it says we shall be blest

With some new joys, cuts off what we possest.

Strange cozenage! none would live past years again,

Yet all hope pleasure in what yet remain;

And from the dregs of life think to receive

What the first sprightly running could not give.

John Dryden (1631-1701): Aurengzebe. Act iv. Sc. 1.