Truly there is no nobler on the earth! Although such unemblazoned, simple lot Thy heart despiseth and believeth not, Misdoubting man's good faith and woman's worth. Here is thy sacrifice: no more to roam, Nor to seek out the soul's most barren spot To shrine thy will in; but, thyself forgot, Spend all to found and fence one faithful home. And see thy stark Ideal die in pain, And bear the throes it causeth thee to see; And quench the fires of lawlessness in thee -- For childhood's sake, endure a tender chain; Ay, on thy neck, in token thou art free, Bear yoke of kinship e'en with lowlier men. |