The Complete Poems of Emily Brontë/Strong I stand, though I have borne

by Emily Brontë

XV

Strong I stand, though I have borne
Anger, hate, and bitter scorn;
Strong I stand, and laugh to see
How mankind have fought with me.

Shade of history, I condemn
All the puny ways of men;
Free my heart, my spirit free,
Beckon, and I'll follow thee.

False and foolish mortal know,
If you scorn the world's disdain,
Your mean soul is far below
Other worms, however vain.

Thing of Dust, with boundless pride,
Dare you ask me for a guide?
With the humble I will be;
Haughty men are naught to me.

November 1837.