Poems (Van Rensselaer)/Two Spirits
TWO SPIRITS
II am the master-spirit, Love the King.Hardly is in the whole world anythingBeneath the sun and stars but when I say,"Do this or that," it maketh answer "Yea."Empires and conquests, friendships, pieties,I wreck and ravage if I so but please;And wreck and ravage, hatred and despairOf men and gods, my mandate may repair.All other powers unto my footstool bringTheir tribute, so to worship Love the King.
IINay, royal brother, look on me, a slave,And boast not potency to blast or save.Here in the dust I stand, the only oneGreater than thou beneath the stars and sun.I work no ruin, but the spent revive;And whom thou slayest, lo, I make alive.Stronger in suppliance lifted is my hand,O King, than thy bright sceptre of command.The Lords of Life their utmost empire gaveNot unto thee, but unto Love the Slave.