To The Same

I WOULD I had thy courage, dear, to face This bankruptcy of love, and greet despair With smiling eyes and unconcerned embrace, And these few words of banter at “dull care.” I would that I could sing and comb my hair Like thee the morning through, and choose my dress, And gravely argue what I best should wear, A shade of ribbon or a fold of lace. I would I had thy courage and thy peace, Peace passing understanding; that mine eyes Could find forgetfulness like thine in sleep; That all the past for me like thee could cease And leave me cheerfully, sublimely wise, Like David with washed face who ceased to weep.