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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE BROKEN SWORD by HENRY VAN DYKE

First Line: MINE ENEMIES HAVE PREVAILED AGAINST ME, O GOD
Last Line: WHILE I DRINK THE LOVING-CUP OF DEATH TO THY GLORY.

MINE enemies have prevailed against me, O God:
Thou hast led me deep into their ambush.

They surround me with a hedge of spears,
And the sword in my hand is broken.

My friends also have forsaken my side:
From a safe place they look upon me with pity.

My heart is like water poured upon the ground,
And I have come alone to the place of surrender.

To thee, to thee only will I give up my sword, --
The sword which was broken in thy service.

Thou hast required me to suffer for thy cause:
In my defeat thy will is victorious.

O my King, show me thy face shining in the dark,
While I drink the loving-cup of death to thy glory.



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