 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere
|  |
|
XI.
If, task'd beyond my strength, I crave delay
And weakly wish that to another hand
Had been committed what divine command
Has sent to mine; if on th' appointed way
I pause, and, thoughtless of my purpose, stray;
If, wearied with the men, the clime, the land
Which I call mine, I seek another strand,
That on the wings of chance I lightly may
Outstrip the homely cares which day by day
Hum in my ears; if by myself I stand
Accused of all these faults, and cannot say
That I less subject am unto their sway
Now than of old—you needs must understand
How rashly upon me new duties would you lay.
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere
| |
|
