White Stains

A BALLAD OF CHOOSING 41 And pressed it in my hand, saying “ Behold The corner-stone of fame, the means of lust ” And I “ In thee I put but little trust Shameful, most vile, accursed of God’s ire, Dross of the dunghill’s most detested dust, Thou has a guerdon, is it not for hire ? ” Christ came to me, alone and sorrowful, And offered me a cross, saying to me, “ I have great joys to give most bountiful. Carry this through the world, and when the sea Of death is past, then is prepared for thee A house of many mansions.” My desire Hid not from me the vileness of his plea :— “ Thou has a guerdon, is it not for hire ? ” ENVOI Prince of the air, thou offerest nought to me I serve thee, recompensed of hell-fire, More nobly than these others, verily Since none with impious word may mock at thee “ Thou has a guerdon, is it not for hire ? ”