The Subalterns

 I

"Poor wanderer," said the leaden sky,
 "I fain would lighten thee,
But there are laws in force on high
 Which say it must not be."

 II

--"I would not freeze thee, shorn one," cried
 The North, "knew I but how
To warm my breath, to slack my stride;
 But I am ruled as thou."

 III

--"To-morrow I attack thee, wight,"
 Said Sickness. "Yet I swear
I bear thy little ark no spite,
 But am bid enter there."

 IV

--"Come hither, Son," I heard Death say;
 "I did not will a grave
Should end thy pilgrimage to-day,
 But I, too, am a slave!"

 V

We smiled upon each other then,
 And life to me had less
Of that fell look it wore ere when 
 They owned their passiveness.

Form: Ballad

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