OH! I admit I'm dull and poor, <br />And plain and gloomy, as you tell me; <br />And dozens flock around your door <br />Who in all points but one excel me. <br /> <br />You smile on them, on me you frown, <br />They worship for the wage you pay; <br />I lay life, love, and honour down <br />For you to walk on every day. <br /> <br />I am the only one who sees <br />That though such gifts can never move you, <br />A meagre price are gifts like these <br />For life's high privilege--to love you. <br /> <br />I am the one among your train <br />Who sees that loving you is worth <br />A thousand times the certain gain <br />Of all the heaped-up joys of earth. <br /> <br />And you, who know as well as I, <br />What your glass tells you every morning-- <br />A kindred soul you should descry, <br />Dilute with sympathy your scorning. <br /> <br />At least you should approve the intense <br />Love that gives all for you to waste; <br />Your other lovers have more sense, <br />Admit that I have better taste.<br /><br />Edith Nesbit<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-claim/
