COMBATANTS

My God and I met at the ford —

Lightning of wrath was on His face,

And in His hand He held a sword!

He whom of old I had adored

Now challenged me! I paused a space —

My God and I met at the ford.

Dauntless I stood, and daring poured

Hot words of anger — stepped one pace;

And in my hand I held a sword.

Steel clashed on steel! Together warred

Comrades of old in that fell place!

My God and I met at the ford.

One moment's thrust and He had scored;

I of His mercy pleaded grace:

God smiled on me and dropped His sword!