Page:The poems of George Eliot (Crowell, 1884).djvu/470

 Half man's truth must hidden lie

If unlit by Sorrow's eye.

I by Sorrow wrought in thee

Willing pain of ministry.

Slowly was the lesson taught

Through passion, error, care;

Insight was the loathing fraught

And effort with despair.

Written on the wall I saw

"Bow!" I knew, not loved, the law.

But then I brought a love that wrote within

The law of gratitude, and made thy heart

Beat to the heavenly tune of seraphim

Whose only joy in having is, to impart:

Till thou, poor Self—despite thy ire,

Wrestling 'gainst my mingled share,

Thy faults, hard falls, and vain desire

Still to be what others were—

Filled, o'erflowed with tenderness

Seeming more as thou wert less,

Knew me through that anguish past

As a fellowship more vast.

Yea, I embrace thee, changeful Life!

Far-sent, unchosen mate!

Self and thou, no more at strife,

Shall wed in hallowed state.

Willing spousals now shall prove

Life is justified by love.