Erect, self-poised, with clear, straightforward eyes.

For what she knows he is she holds him dear,

And not for what she fancies him—with fear.

Brave spirit! Disillusionized, she lifts

What blinder women bear as heaven’s ill gifts.

She asks but, ere she reproduce a man,

He truly be one, so a woman can.

She gives not for the asking, nor as one

Who does unpleasant things that must be done.

Nay, he who half-unwilling love receives