Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Arthur SherburneHardy

989 Duality

WITHIN me are two souls that pity each

The other for the ends they seek, yet smile

Forgiveness, as two friends that love the while

The folly against which each feigns to preach.

And while one barters in the market-place,

Or drains the cup before the tavern fire,

The other, winged with a divine desire,

Searches the solitary wastes of space.

And if o’ercome with pleasure this one sleeps,

The other steals away to lay its ear

Upon some lip just cold, perchance to hear

Those wondrous secrets which it knows—and keeps.