 | The Collected Poems of Philip Bourke Marston |  |
159
THE TWO TEMPTATIONS.
Two met with me upon a weary day.
One said, “I am Love's servant fair to see,
And I have alms which I will give to thee.”
But though most fair she seemed, I answered, “Nay,
I serve the master, pass thou on thy way,
For, lo! Love's servant gives no alms to me.”
The second cried, “I am Love's enemy,
And certes no wise fair; let me essay
One said, “I am Love's servant fair to see,
And I have alms which I will give to thee.”
But though most fair she seemed, I answered, “Nay,
I serve the master, pass thou on thy way,
For, lo! Love's servant gives no alms to me.”
The second cried, “I am Love's enemy,
And certes no wise fair; let me essay
“To guide thy steps.” “I walk alone,” I said.
But he seized hold of both my hands and cried,—
“A little come with me, then stand aloof.”
Love's foe he is and mine, a false, false guide;
Yet must I bear with him, or bow my head,
Serving Love's servant and betraying Love.
But he seized hold of both my hands and cried,—
“A little come with me, then stand aloof.”
Love's foe he is and mine, a false, false guide;
Yet must I bear with him, or bow my head,
Serving Love's servant and betraying Love.
| The Collected Poems of Philip Bourke Marston | |