He hath indeed better bettered expectation.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Much Ado about Nothing. Act i. Sc. 1.

Oft expectation fails, and most oft there

Where most it promises.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): All's Well that Ends Well. Act ii. Sc. 1.

'T is expectation makes a blessing dear;

Heaven were not heaven if we knew what it were.

Sir John Suckling (1609-1641): Against Fruition.

To the last moment of his breath,

On hope the wretch relies;

And even the pang preceding death

Bids expectation rise.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): The Captivity. Act ii.