Poems (Cromwell)/The Crowning Gift
THE CROWNING GIFT
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.