It knows it all, it knows it all, <br />The world of groans and laughter, <br />It sneers of pride before a fall, <br />But the bitter pride comes after: <br />So leave me and I’ll seek you not, <br />So seek me and you’ll find me— <br />But till I know your hand-grip’s true <br />I’ll stand with hands behind me. <br /> <br />It knows it all, it knows it all, <br />The world of lies and sorrow— <br />It prates of pride before a fall, <br />And of the humble morrow; <br />But shame and blame are but a name, <br />Oh, heart that’s hurt past curing! <br />We’ll drink to-night the sinner’s pride, <br />The pride that’s most enduring. <br /> <br />They know it all, they know it all, <br />The curs that pass the sentence. <br />They preach of pride before a fall <br />And bitter black repentance: <br />So leave me when my star is set, <br />I’ll glory that you leave me, <br />While one has pride to love me yet <br />There’s nought on earth shall grieve me.<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-pride-that-comes-after/
