Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
To Le Vayer, on the Death of his SonHenry Austin Dobson (18401921)
(After Molière)
L
None of scant cause thy sorrowing can accuse,
Since, losing that which thou for aye dost lose,
E’en the most wise might find a ground for woe.
The drops of pity that are Pity’s dues;
And Nature’s self, indignant, doth refuse
To count for fortitude that heartless show.
The son too dear, by Death untimely ta’en;
Yet, not the less, his loss is hard to bear,
Large heart, keen wit, a lofty soul and rare,—
—Surely these claim immitigable tears!