XXI

Since we have sundered been by broken vow

Of faith and trust — the fault was mine, O Heart —

Much have I learned of Woman and the part

She plays in shaking from the laden bow

Life's blossoms; all that has been, and is now,

And ever shall be: Science, Music, Art,

Religion, these, as from a fountain start

The rivers, have been hers — Man to endow.

So must I, wounded in the valley, call

To you, alone upon the morning-height:

Praise and thanksgiving for the throw and fall!

Vanquished by you, I shall rise up and fight

Him armed with trident and the subtle mesh —

Mankind's most ancient enemy, the Flesh!