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The Crowning Gift | Poem

The Crowning Gift
by Gladys Cromwell (1885-1919)
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'
An intellect to make me rules,
To estimate and exorcise.

I have had knowledge to be true;
My faith could obstacles remove.
But now, by failure taught anew,
I would have courage not to love,
And lay aside the strength I knew.


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