Ezra Pound (1885–1972)

FOR God, our God, is a gallant foe

That playeth behind the veil.

I have loved my God as a child at heart

That seeketh deep bosoms for rest,

I have loved my God as maid to man,

But lo, this thing is best:

To love your God as a gallant foe

that plays behind the veil,

To meet your God as the night winds meet

beyond Arcturus’ pale.

I have play’d with God for a woman,

I have staked with my God for truth,

I have lost to my God as a man, clear eyed,

His dice be not of ruth.

For I am made as a naked blade,

But hear ye this thing in sooth:

Who loseth to God as man to man

Shall win at the turn of the game.

I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet,

But the ending is the same:

Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose

Shall win at the end of the game.

For God, our God, is a gallant foe

that playeth behind the veil,

Whom God deigns not to overthrow

Hath need of triple mail.