On Her Lightheartedness

Wilfrid Scawen Blunt

1840 to 1922

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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 thro’, 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.