Impressions: A Book of Verse/The Truth Entire

by Lilla Cabot Perry

 

THE TRUTH ENTIRE

I DO repudiate your unjust blame.
Ah, dear one, can those eyes I love be blind
And in my free avowal fail to find
The truth entire? — I should myself defame
If, seeking pity, further fault I claim.
Nay, more, 't was yours to loose my soul, not bind;
Against self-doubt to be my champion kind
And shape past weakness to a nobler aim.

Swift as the lark that springs to meet the sun,
The soul will spring to meet the higher thought;
Deeds must be dreamed before they can be done,
And battles more by faith than steel are fought;
Believe me, dearest, what you'd have me be!
Thus giving courage and humility!