Aubrey Thomas de Vere (1814–1902)

(Entitled by the Author, “Troilus and Cressida”)

HAD I been worthy of the love you gave,

That love withdrawn had left me sad, but strong:

My heart had been as silent as my tongue;

My bed had been unfevered as my grave:

I had not striven for what I could not save:

Back, back to heaven my great hopes I had flung:

To have much suffered, having done no wrong,

Had seemed to me that noble part the brave

Account it ever. What this hour I am

Affirms the unworthiness that in me lurked:

Some sapping poison through my substance worked,

Some sin not trivial, though it lacked a name,

Which ratifies the deed that you have done

With plain approval. Other plea seek none.