The Old Stoic

Portrait of Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte 1818–1848

Riches I hold in light esteem, And love I laugh to scorn; And lust of fame was but a dream That vanish'd with the morn:

And if I pray, the only prayer That moves my lips for me Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear, And give me liberty!"

Yes, as my swift days near their goal, 'Tis all that I implore: In life and death a chainless soul, With courage to endure.

Keep reading

Discover more of Emily Bronte’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion 1 comment

Add your reading ↓
Readers
1
Longest reading
rachael10 words
  1. rachael United States

    ion no

    i have no idea wat this poem means like really

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.