University of Virginia Library


182

[I stand before you as a beggar stands]

I stand before you as a beggar stands,
Who craves an alms and will not be denied;
Nor shall I cease to wander at your side,
Until I gain this largess at your hands;
Give me your weary thoughts, your hours of pain,
Your dull grey mornings, and your hopeless moods;
If one sad moment mars your solitudes,
Give that to me, and be at ease again.
Behold, my heart is large enough to bear
Your burdens, and to rock your heart to sleep;
Give me your griefs, I do not ask to share
The golden harvest of the joys you reap;
Be glad alone; but when your soul's opprest,
Come here and lay your head and be at rest.