On Her Lightheartedness

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.