Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: MAN VERSUS ASCETIC. 6, by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: MAN VERSUS ASCETIC. 6, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ha! Shall the living needy miss my hand
Last Line: Brave frankly her last verdict in the cause.
Alternate Author Name(s): Leigh, Arbor; Guggenberger, Mrs. Ignatz; Bevington, L. S.


"Ha! shall the living Needy miss my hand,
Whom for my penitence I sought to bless,
Till there depended on me numberless
Souls that unaided scarce have strength to stand?
Not only for my penance had I planned
To succour these; I pitied their distress:
Shall I betray them to their helplessness
For that new task? Is this thy sad demand?"
Oh, strength of tenderness! 'tis here I pause:
I dare not answer; for to thee alone
The weight and shaping of that claim is known;
Lo, even Nature has her minor laws!
Yet fling thy will once down before her throne, --
Brave frankly her last verdict in the cause.








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