(To Michael Monahan)
[From the same]
Why should I fear that ultimate thing—
The Great Release of clown and king?
Why should I dread to take my way
Through the same shadowed path as they?
But can it be a shadowy road
Whereon both Youth and Genius strode?
Can it be dark, since Shakespeare trod
Its unknown length, to meet our God;
Since Shelley, with his valiant youth,
Fared forth to learn the final Truth;
Since Milton in his blindness went
With wisdom and a high content;
And Angelo lit with white flame
The pathway when God called his name;
And Dante, seeking Beatrice,
Marched fearless down the deep abyss?