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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TWO LIVES. PART 3: 2 by WILLIAM ELLERY LEONARD

First Line: I WILL NOT FEAR MYSELF, WILL NOT FEAR TRUTH
Last Line: AND YOUR AMBITION BE UPON YOUR HEAD.

I will not fear myself, will not fear truth,
And here shall be arraignment without stint.
I will hold court against my sinful youth,
And all the findings shall be checked in print.
"Item: you fostered a bastard Love-of-fame
Begot on Vanity when still a lad, --
What if you saw that creature going lame? --
What if -- when the dear wife was going mad!
What was the peril of Ambition's goal
(Self feeding self, when all is understood),
Against the peril of a human soul,
And that the soul you loved, or said you would?
You have your full reward: the wife is dead --
And your ambition be upon your head.



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