Page:Late lyrics and earlier, with many other verses (IA latelyricsearlie00hardiala).pdf/182

The deacons insisted then, strong; and forgiveness I did not implore.
I saw all was lost for me, quite, but I made a last bid in my throbs.
High love had been beaten by lust; and the senses had conquered the soul,
But the soul should die game, if I knew it! I turned to my masters and said:
"I yield, Gentlemen, without parlance. But—let me just hymn you once more!
It's a little thing, Sirs, that I ask; and a passion is music with me!"
They saw that consent would cost nothing, and show as good grace, as knew I,
Though tremble I did, and feel sick, as I paused thereat, dumb for their words.
They gloomily nodded assent, saying, "Yes, if you care to. Once more,
And only once more, understand." To that with a bend I agreed.
—"You've a fixed and a far-reaching look," spoke one who had eyed me awhile.
“I've a fixed and a far-reaching plan, and my look only showed it," said I.

This evening of Sunday is come—the last of my functioning here.