ENDURING by AUGUSTA DAVIES WEBSTER

THOUGH I have cause to weep, I will not let
The bitter tears have course upon my cheek;
Ah! though my memory's strength will not forget,
My proud pained heart shall be too strong to break.

I hold it but as selfishness and sin
To mourn away one's heart in musings sad,
To shadow others with the grief within,
To dim the smiles that might make some hearts glad.

I shall know sorrow long but silently,
Long time I shall feel very tired and lone,
What then? shall I, fainthearted, pray to die,
I, that the might of inward life have known?

There is some kindly work for me to do,
And so my life will not be lived in vain--
I have some cause to weep, but not again
Shall tremble in mine eyes the scalding rain.

Ah me! perchance I have some cause to chide,
Yet are my chidings by my heart gainsaid,
It may have been it was my sin of pride
That made me lightly scorn to be afraid.

I have some cause, and yet I would be blind
To that which has cast shadows on my youth,
The one poor weakness of a noble mind
That in nought else were wanderer from truth.

And if that one light fault has worked me wrong,
Doubtless it was unknowing and unwilled:
Be mine all blame, who vainly held me strong,
As mine the poisoned cup my weakness filled.

I will not chide, scarcely will I regret,
Scarce wish the dreaming past unlived again:
I shall be sad, but I have courage yet,
And I shall be the stronger through this pain.

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