Classic Poem

She had a coarse and common grace
As ever beggar showed,
It was a coarse but living face,
I kissed upon the road.

And why have aught to do with her,
And what could be the good?
I kissed her, O my questioner,
Because I knew I could!

And do you do, or good or bad,
Whatever thing you can?
What's healthy freedom of a lad
Is licence of a man:

And do you, if you can and will,
Kiss any on your way?
I know not; be it well or ill,
I did kiss one today.

I kissed her, for her carnalness
It could not come to me;
For I in my containedness
Was mightier Force than she;

For royal-rich I was of force
Exuberant of will;
And carnal if she were and coarse,
She was a woman still.

I kissed, and said, — and piercing-in,
I looked her through the face, —
I muttered, as I held her chin,
God give you of his grace!

But whether virtue from him flowed,
And if it did her good,
He did not question, on the road,
Who kissed because he could.

And whether heard or not the word,
And whether understood,
He doth not wis who gave the kiss
Because he knew he could.