And slandered my name and fame,—
By the Christian creed, I forgive you, coward!
Let the pardon be your shame!
Forgive? Yes,—as the Christ forgave
When the Judas kiss was given,
And Hell suck’d down the traitor’s soul
While his curse was pronounc’d in Heaven!
Nothing so low, and nothing so base
As a stab in the back of a friend,
And those who saw you handle the knife