238
A SHEAF GLEANED
Sonnet—NECESSITY.
Necessity or Fate, the day when thou
Shalt see this soul, where such dark clouds amass,
Renounce the struggle, and in desperate pass
For respite ask, lift up with pride thy brow.
For then to thee a combatant shall bow
That knows no fear, that trampled down like grass,
From weariness might yield indeed—alas!
But cannot be unfaithful to his vow.
Fly at such time from me, beloved Muse!
Hide my heart's ashes under thy disdain!
But on my hand disarmed let fall a tear.
So much thou canst not, Poesy, refuse
To one who, loving thee 'mid grief and pain,
Has done his utmost to adore thee here.
