Unless I learn to ask no help
⁠From any other soul but mine,
To seek no strength in waving reeds
⁠Nor shade beneath a straggling pine;
Unless I learn to look at Grief
⁠Unshrinking from her tear-blind eyes,
And take from Pleasure fearlessly
⁠Whatever gifts will make me wise—
Unless I learn these things on earth,
Why was I ever given birth?