I fell, 't is true—O, ask not why.
For still to God I turn my eye.
It was a chance by which I fell,
Another takes me back from hell.
'T was but my envy of mankind,
The envy of a loving mind.
Jealous of men, I could not bear
God's love with this new race to share.
But yet God's tables open stand,
His guests flock in from every land;
Some kind act towards the race of men
May toss us into heaven again.
A game of chess is all we see,—
And God the player, pieces we.
White, black—queen, pawn,—'t is all the same,
For on both sides he plays the game.
Moved to and fro, from good to ill,
We rise and fall as suits his will."
The Caliph said, "If this be so,
I know not, but thy guile I know;