Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern American Poetry. 1919.
Ezra Pound18851972Ballad for Gloom
F
That playeth behind the veil.
That seeketh deep bosoms for rest,
I have loved my God as a maid to man—
But lo, this thing is best:
To meet your God as the night winds meet beyond Arcturus’ pale.
I have staked with my God for truth,
I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed—
His dice be not of ruth.
But hear ye this thing in sooth:
Shall win at the turn of the game.
I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet
But the ending is the same:
Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose
Shall win at the end of the game.
Whom God deigns not to overthrow hath need of triple mail.