The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
252
SONNET XX
“CONFLICTING GODS”
Conflicting gods above our bodies strive
For empire. Who are we that we should think
That we alone life's mighty fountains drink,
That we alone are passionate and alive?
Through us wild spirits struggle to arrive
At their own ends, fast-forging link by link
Strange chains of deeds at which our souls might shrink,
It may be, to assist or to connive.
For empire. Who are we that we should think
That we alone life's mighty fountains drink,
That we alone are passionate and alive?
Through us wild spirits struggle to arrive
At their own ends, fast-forging link by link
Strange chains of deeds at which our souls might shrink,
It may be, to assist or to connive.
Christ and the gods of Greece are battling still.
Not in Miltonian giant dreams alone
Satan would hurl the Lord God from his throne,
But here in London night's airs leap and thrill
With blasts of mad infernal trumpets blown
And swords celestial flash, to save or kill.
Not in Miltonian giant dreams alone
Satan would hurl the Lord God from his throne,
But here in London night's airs leap and thrill
With blasts of mad infernal trumpets blown
And swords celestial flash, to save or kill.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |