Not high as I had been if faithful found,

But low and weak yet full of hope, and sure

Of goodness as of life—that I would lose

All this gay mastery of mind, to sit

Once more with them, trusting in truth and love

And with an aim—not being what I am.

O Pauline, I am ruined who believed

That though my soul had floated from its sphere

Of wild dominion into the dim orb

Of self—that it was strong and free as ever!