God knows, 'twas not with a fore-reasoned plan I left the easeful dwellings of my peace, And sought this combat with ungodly Man, And ceaseless still through years that do not cease Have warred with Powers and Principalities. My natural soul, e'er yet these strifes began, Was as a sister diligent to please And loving all, and most the human clan. God knows it. And he knows how the world's tear Touched me. And He is witness of my wrath, How it was kindled against murderers Who slew for gold, and how upon their path I met them. Since which day the World in arms Strikes at my life with angers and alarms. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THEY PRAISE THE SUN by JOHN CROWE RANSOM A SENSE OF DIRECTION by KAREN SWENSON THE PARTING OF THE WAYS by JOSEPH BENSON GILDER SUMMER MATURES by HELENE JOHNSON THE OLD BURYING-GROUND by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER STANZAS COMPOSED AT CARNAC by MATTHEW ARNOLD |