To the Same

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.