Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Faint HeartWilliam James Linton (18121897)
F
Victory smiles on those who dare,
There is but one way to woo—
Think thy Mistress willing too!
Leave her never chance to choose,
Hold her powerless to refuse.
Wilt thou bow and let her go?—
When, most like, her ‘No’ is meant
But to make more sweet consent;
So thy suit may longer be
For so much she liketh thee.
He ’s no lover who despairs;
He ’s no warrior whom a frown
Drives from his beleaguer’d town;
And no hunter he who stops
Till his stricken quarry drops.
Take her as thou would’st a kiss!
Or ask once, and if in vain,
Ask her twice, and thrice again:
Sure of this when all is said,—
They lose most who are afraid.