Esther, LIII

For Esther was a woman most complete
In all her ways of loving. And with me
Dealt as one deals who careless of d«
And rich in all things is of all things free.
She did not stop with me to feel her way
Into my heart, because she all hearts knew,
But, like some prodigal heir of yesterday
Just in possession, counted not her due
And grandly gave. O brave humility !
O joy that kneels ! O pride that stoops to tears !
She spent where others had demanded fee,
Served where all service had of right been hers,
Casting her bread of life upon love's ways,
Content to find it after many days.