The Fall
The sinner fallen from his high
degree1
Looks down upon the ruins of his heart,2
And marvels how the qualities depart3
That made him once all that he cared to be :4
Brilliant and gentle, notable to see,5
And furnished well with learning and with art,6
Once having turned his honour to a mart7
He feels a feeble hand and palsied knee.8
He falls : but of despair ere yet he yield,9
He gathers strength than his a mightier far,10
And shines transcendent as a falling star11
Sweeping triumphant to the ocean field ;12
Or fallen Samson mightier than before,13
Who from the roof brought myriad enemies to the floor.14