Was half a life the nearer. Just so, pain
Is nearer than the peace we seek in vain,
And by its very sting compels belief.
Jules woke, and with a fine restraint of grief
Saw early dissolution. ‘One more night,
And then the poor old man would lose the fight—
Ah, such a man!’
A day and night crept by,
And yet the stubborn fighter would not die,
But grappled with the angel. All the while,