Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CROWNING GIFT by GLADYS CROMWELL

First Line: I HAVE HAD COURAGE TO ACCUSE
Last Line: AND LAY ASIDE THE STRENGTH I KNEW.
Subject(s): LOVE;
I HAVE had courage to accuse;
And a fine wit that could upbraid;
And a nice cunning that could bruise;
And a shrewd wisdom, unafraid
Of what weak mortals fear to lose.

I have had virtue to despise
The sophistry of pious fools;
I have had firmness to chastise;
And intellect to make me rules
To estimate and exorcise.

I have had knowledge to be true;
My faith could obstacles remove;
But now my frailty I endue.
I would have courage now to love,
And lay aside the strength I knew.



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