Long time one whisper'd in his ear-- <br />'Give me my strong, pure soul; behold <br />'Tis mine to give what men hold dear-- <br />The treasure of red gold.' <br /> <br />'I bribe thee not with crown and throne, <br />Pale spectres they of kingly pow'r! <br />I give thee gold--red gold alone <br />Can crown a king each hour!' <br /> <br />He frown'd, perchance he felt a throe, <br />Gold-hunger gnawing at his heart-- <br />A passing pang--for, stern and low, <br />He bade the fiend depart! <br /> <br />Again there came the voice and said: <br />'Gold for that soul of thine were shame; <br />Thine be that thing for which have bled <br />Both Gods and men,--high Fame. <br /> <br />'And in long ages yet to sweep <br />Their gloom and glory on the day; <br />When mould'ring kings, forgot, shall sleep <br />In ashes, dust, and clay: <br /> <br />'Thy name shall, starlike, pulse and burn <br />On heights most Godlike; and divine, <br />Immortal bays thy funereal urn <br />Shall lastingly entwine!' <br /> <br />He sigh'd; perchance he felt the thrill, <br />The answ'ring pulse to Fame's high call; <br />But answer made his steadfast will-- <br />'I will not be thy thrall!' <br /> <br />Again there came the voice and cried: <br />'Dost thou my kingly bribes disdain? <br />Yet shalt thou barter soul and pride <br />For things ignobly vain! <br /> <br />'Two shameless eyes--two false, sweet eyes-- <br />A sinful brow of sinless white, <br />Shall hurl, thy soul from high clear skies <br />To ME, and Stygian night. <br /> <br />'Beneath the spell of gilded hair, <br />Thy palms, like sickly weeds, shall die! <br />God-strong Resolves, a sensuous air <br />Shall mock and crucify. <br /> <br />'Go to! my thrall at last thou art! <br />Ere bud to rounded blossom change; <br />Thou wilt for wanton lips and heart <br />Most false, thy soul exchange!'<br /><br />Isabella Valancy Crawford<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-exchange-for-his-soul/
