Page:The madman, his parables and poems.djvu/56

This page has been validated.

"DEFEAT"


Defeat, my Defeat, my solitude and my aloofness;
You are dearer to me than a thousand triumphs,
And sweeter to my heart than all world-glory.


Defeat, my Defeat, my self-knowledge and my defiance,
Through you I know that I am yet young and swift of foot
And not to be trapped by withering laurels.
And in you I have found aloneness
And the joy of being shunned and scorned.


Defeat, my Defeat, my shining sword and shield,

[46]