The love that was too poor to purchase you <br />Is rich enough to buy each noble thing, <br />That may be reached on the untiring wing <br />Of patient, strong pursuit; all that is true, <br />Honest, and brave, and most adorns a man, <br />I may achieve—and will:—and since I can <br />So glorify the life that you rejected, <br />E'en, fairest mistress! for your sake, no prize <br />That may proclaim me worthy, good, or wise, <br />Shall by my best endeavour be neglected. <br />So that this judgment you may yet decree, <br />When from the height of your sweet excellence, <br />You sentence pass, on my hope's bold offence— <br />Such love was worthy to be offered me.<br /><br />Frances Anne Kemble<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-rejected-lover-to-his-mistress-ii/
