Poems (Procter)/A False Genius

by Adelaide Anne Procter

A FALSE GENIUS.

See a Spirit by thy side,Purple-winged and eagle-eyed,Looking like a heavenly guide.Though he seem so bright and fair,Ere thou trust his proffered care,Pause a little, and beware!

If he bid thee dwell apart,Tending some ideal smartIn a sick and coward heart;

In self-worship wrapped alone,Dreaming thy poor griefs are grownMore than other men have known;

Dwelling in some cloudy sphere,Though God's work is waiting here,And God deigneth to be near;

If his torch's crimson glareShow thee evil everywhere,Tainting all the wholesome air;

While with strange distorted choice,Still disdaining to rejoice,Thou wilt hear a wailing voice;

If a simple, humble heartSeem to thee a meaner partThan thy noblest aim and art;

If he bid thee bow beforeCrowned Mind and nothing more,The great idol men adore;

And with starry veil enfoldSin, the trailing serpent old,Till his scales shine out like gold;

Though his words seem true and wise,Soul, I say to thee, Arise,He is a Demon in disguise!