When under constant attack
By enemies of truth,
How could any human soul
Thrive and flourish
And be happy—
Unless, possibly,
Under the profound influence
Of an unusually clear and palpable hope
That better and eternal things
Do surely await those
Who endure and overcome?
And surely, we are bid
To take up such hope
From the ancient writings—
If we dare believe
In what we cannot see.
But even then,
Who among us is so
Stout of heart as to thrive
Unimpeded in that
Wilting oppression,
As can those who suffer
No such relentless torment?
There will be woe for him
Through whom such offenses come.
The day will come at last
When he can no longer avoid
The truth or its consequences,
And Heaven and Earth alike
Will finally be done with his raging.
