On Her Lightheartedness

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.