He seemed to call me, and I shrank dismayed,
⁠Deeming he threatened all I held most dear;
But when at last his summons I obeyed,
⁠Perplexed and full of fear,
I found upon his face no angry frown,—
⁠Only a visor down.

Indignant that his voice, so calm and sweet,
⁠In my despite, unto my soul appealed,
I cried, "If thou hast courage, turn and meet
⁠A foeman full revealed!"
And with determined zeal that made me strong,
⁠Contended with him long.

But oh, the armor he so meekly bore
⁠Was wrought for him in other worlds than ours!
In firm defense of what he battled for,
⁠Were leagued eternal powers!
I fell; yet overwhelmed by my disgrace,
⁠At last I saw his face.

And in its matchless beauty I forgot
⁠The constant service to my pledges due,
​And, with adoring love that sorrowed not,
⁠Entreated, "Tell me who
Hath so o'erthrown my will and pride of youth!"
⁠He answered, "I am Truth."