What Have I Gained?

What have I gained? A little charity?
I never more may dare to fling a stone
Or say of any weakness I may see
That I more strength and wisdom would have shown-
And I learned in love lore to be wise;
And knowledge of the evil and the good
Have had one moment’s glimpse of Paradise
And know the flavour of forbidden food.
But this, if it be gold have much alloy,
And I would gladly all the past undo
Were it not for the thought that brings me joy
That I once made some happioness for you-
That sometimes in a dark and troubled hour
I had.... a soothing power.
 
-Lady Gregory