There, my arch stranger-friend, my audience both

And arbitress, you have one half your wish,

At least: you know the thing I tried to do!

All, so far, to my praise and glory—all

Told as befits the self-apologist,—

Who ever promises a candid sweep

And clearance of those errors miscalled crimes

None knows more, none laments so much as he,

And ever rises from confession, proved

A god whose fault was—trying to be man.