 | Under Cross and Crescent |  |
83
NIKO'S FAITH
Niko has perfect faith; he understands
No haunting, sceptic doubts, nor does he need
The sad-eyed mystic's penitential creed
Of Sin and Retribution, which demands
Such shrift and pray'r; and even tho' his sands
Stream thro' so strait a glass, he does not heed
The grisly form bestriding the pale steed;
Guest of his gods, and feeding from their hands!
No haunting, sceptic doubts, nor does he need
The sad-eyed mystic's penitential creed
Of Sin and Retribution, which demands
Such shrift and pray'r; and even tho' his sands
Stream thro' so strait a glass, he does not heed
The grisly form bestriding the pale steed;
Guest of his gods, and feeding from their hands!
So, little tyrant of the tripping feet!
Yours is the better part, that, on the brink
Of Death's dark mystery, need never sigh
For joys o'er past, but deeming life all sweet
And love eternal, only eat and drink
And merry-make, and know not you must die!
Yours is the better part, that, on the brink
Of Death's dark mystery, need never sigh
For joys o'er past, but deeming life all sweet
And love eternal, only eat and drink
And merry-make, and know not you must die!
| Under Cross and Crescent | |