Public-domain source text

The Broken Sword

by Henry van Dyke Jr.

From Standard Ebooks · standardebooks/henry-van-dyke-jr_poetry

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: 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: By 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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This is a source transcription from Standard Ebooks, published in Past Poetry’s public-domain archive without line-by-line editorial notes. Public-domain source edition. Availability can vary by territory.

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