Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
II. Prayer and AspirationThe Caliph and Satan
James Freeman Clarke (18101888)I
When some one called, “Arise, and pray!”
Rebuke his king for slighting prayer?”
A voice cut sharply through the gloom:
Mohammed’s law; awake, and pray!”
“But their intent I somewhat dread.
Than when the thief says, ‘Guard your purse!’
It surely hides some wicked end.”
In ages past, we devils trod;
To guide each wandering foot to heaven.
Nor those pure tastes we knew above.
The Tartar moves his shifting tent,
When in his father’s arms he lay;
Recall the taste of that rich wine.
That magic touch, I feel it now!
For still to God I turn my eye.
Another takes me back from hell.
The envy of a loving mind.
God’s love with this new race to share.
His guests flock in from every land;
May toss us into heaven again.
And God the player, pieces we.
For on both sides he plays the game.
We rise and fall as suits his will.”
I know not, but thy guile I know;
When even God thou didst deceive?
Only a drop that sea within.”
His angel now, and now his rod.
Make good men better, bad men worse.
I but distinguish one from the other.”
You never tempt to good, but ill.
You come as my most deadly foe.”
Therefore my purpose I will tell.
A swift repentance would ensue;
A good, outweighing far the sin.
Borne out of fault, should not be thine,
To sin with penitence allied.”