Ballad For Gloom

For God, our God is a gallant foe 

That playeth behind the veil. 

I have loved my God as a child at heart 

That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, 

I have loved my God as a maid to man—

But lo, this thing is best: 

To love your God as a gallant foe that plays behind the veil; 

To meet your God as the night winds meet beyond Arcturus' pale. 

I have played with God for a woman, 

I have staked with my God for truth,   

I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed— 

    His dice be not of ruth. 

For I am made as a naked blade, 

    But hear ye this thing in sooth: 

Who loseth to God as man to man   

    Shall win at the turn of the game. 

I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet 

    But the ending is the same: 

Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose 

    Shall win at the end of the game.   

For God, our God is a gallant foe that playeth behind the veil. 

Whom God deigns not to overthrow hath need of triple mail.