Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Wilfrid Scawen Blunt 1840–1922

To the Same

Blunt-Wi

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.