Page:The ballad of the White Horse (IA balladofwhitehor00ches).pdf/63

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But I must go smelling yew and sods,And I know there are gods behind the gods,Gods that are best unsung.
"And a man grows ugly for women,And a man grows dull with ale;Well if he find in his soul at lastFury that does not fail.
"The wrath of the gods behind the godsWho would rend all gods and men;Well if the old man's heart hath stillWheels sped of rage and roaring willLike cataracts to break down and kill,Well for the old man then —
"While there is one tall shrine to shakeOr one live man to rend;For the wrath of the gods behind the godsWho are weary to make an end.
"There lives one moment for a manWhen the door at his shoulder shakes,When the taut rope parts under the pull,And the barest branch is beautifulOne moment, while it breaks.
"So rides my soul upon the seaThat drinks the howling ships;

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