Page:Late lyrics and earlier, with many other verses (IA latelyricsearlie00hardiala).pdf/182

154 The deacons insisted then, strong; and forgiveness I did not implore. I saw all was lost for me, quite, but I made a last bid in my throbs. High love had been beaten by lust; and the senses had conquered the soul, But the soul should die game, if I knew it! I turned to my masters and said: "I yield, Gentlemen, without parlance. But—let me just hymn you once more! It's a little thing, Sirs, that I ask; and a passion is music with me!" They saw that consent would cost nothing, and show as good grace, as knew I, Though tremble I did, and feel sick, as I paused thereat, dumb for their words. They gloomily nodded assent, saying, "Yes, if you care to. Once more, And only once more, understand." To that with a bend I agreed. —"You've a fixed and a far-reaching look," spoke one who had eyed me awhile. “I've a fixed and a far-reaching plan, and my look only showed it," said I.

This evening of Sunday is come—the last of my functioning here.