I SEE a Spirit by thy side, Purple-winged and eagle-eyed, Looking like a heavenly guide. Though he seem so bright and fair, Ere thou trust his proffered care, Pause a little, and beware! If he bid thee dwell apart, Tending some ideal smart In a sick and coward heart; In self-worship wrapped alone, Dreaming thy poor griefs are grown More than other men have known; Dwelling in some cloudy sphere, Though God's work is waiting here, And God deigneth to be near; If his torch's crimson glare Show the evil everywhere, Tainting all the wholesome air; While with strange distorted choice, Still disdaining to rejoice, Thou @3wilt@1 hear a wailing voice; If a simple, humble heart Seem to thee a meaner part Than thy noblest aim and art; If he bid thee bow before Crowned Mind and nothing more, The great idol men adore; And with starry veil enfold Sin, the trailing serpent old, Till his scales shine out like gold; Though his words seem true and wise, Soul, I say to thee, Arise, He is a Demon in disguise! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VERSES WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM OF A LADY'S COMMON-PLACE BOOK by THOMAS MOORE THE TRAIL OF NINETY-EIGHT by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE WILD PLUM BLOSSOMS by EVA K. ANGLESBURG GROWING OLD by KARLE WILSON BAKER BOCCACCIO by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN THE BATTLE OF DRUMLIEMOOR by ROBERT WILLIAMS BUCHANAN |