The One Grace

I know my strength of singing scant and brief;
Nor can I hope that men my words shall heed
When I, m death, of love have little need.
I have not taught you wisdom out of grief;
And in myself have I had no belief.
Said few wise words, and done no worthy deed;
Too faint to follow, powerless to lead, —
A helmless vessel dashed from reef to reef.

But if, dear friends, you speak of me at all,
Say in my favor this, and this alone:
That when Love was in Her made manifest,
I knew her for my queen, and, leaving all.
Followed the noblest and the loveliest
Until I knelt before her at Love's throne.