Therefore I dare reveal my private woe, br The secret blots of my imperfect heart, br Nor strive to shrink or swell mine own desert, br Nor beautify nor hide. For this I know, br That even as I am, thou also art. br Thou past heroic forms unmoved shalt go, br To pause and bide with me, to whisper low: br "Not I alone am weak, not I apart br Must suffer, struggle, conquer day by day. br Here is my very cross by strangers borne, br Here is my bosom-sin wherefrom I pray br Hourly deliverance--this my rose, my thorn. br This woman my soul's need can understand, br Stretching o'er silent gulfs her sister hand.