BECAUSE unworthy, therefore did I rise,

Wrathful and reckless with my heart on fire,

Crying, "O foolish Love who would aspire

To win Earth's truest soul and bluest eyes,

Some Hope perfidious, some Dream unwise

Has duped and cozened thee. Now break thy lyre,

Strangle thine impotent and mad desire,

And kneel outside the pale of Paradise,

Because unworthy!"

But she came forth, most lily-white and fair,

And took Love by the hand and led him in,

Saying, "Love comes to solace Love's despair,

And comfort loneliness, and conquer sin,

And all my heart's best love thy love will win,

Because unworthy."