A Partnership

Sorrow, since I perforce must dwell with thee,

Being as thou art, no transient guest, but bold

As cunning to invade my heart, and hold

The darkened mansion of my life in fee;

And since thy face uncomely is to see,

Thy voice more harsh than shrillest tongue of scold,

I wrap thee in my fairer thought, and fold

My song about thee when thou sufferest me.

And, thus disguised, I take with thee the air,

We walk together on life's open ways;

Then meeting us, if some account thee fair,

I hold thee too less foul, and weave new lays

To robe thee in—alas, it is my share

To toil, and own thy title to all praise.