Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Ballad for GloomEzra Pound (18851972)
F
That playeth behind the veil.
That seeketh deep bosoms for rest,
I have loved my God as maid to man,
But lo, this thing is best:
that plays behind the veil,
To meet your God as the night winds meet
beyond Arcturus’ pale.
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.
But hear ye this thing in sooth:
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.
that playeth behind the veil,
Whom God deigns not to overthrow
Hath need of triple mail.