Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Grace ElleryChanning-Stetson

1653 Judgment

A DEAD soul lay in the light of day,

Desperate, wan, it had passed;

Oft foiled, it had toiled on its upward way,

Till it perished, spent, aghast,

After a thousand defeats the prey

Of its conquering sin at last.

Said a stranger:—“Lo, how in shame and woe

Is Satan’s seal ever set!”

Laughed a foe:—“Doth the carrion lie so low?

Death and a coward well met.”

Said a friend:—“His strength was great, I know,

But his weakness was stronger yet.”

Moaned his love unwed:—“Peace to the dead;

And as God shall forgive—let be!”

But an angel spread o’er the prostrate head

His wings in humility;

As he gazed:—“Be praised, great God,” he said,

“For a glorious victory!”