| Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern American Poetry. 1919. |
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| William Rose Benét. 1886– |
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| 117. His Ally |
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| HE fought for his soul, and the stubborn fighting | |
| Tried hard his strength. | |
| "One needs seven souls for thin long requiting," | |
| He said at length. | |
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| "Six times have I come where my first hope jeered me | 5 |
| And laughed me to scorn; | |
| But now I fear as I never feared me | |
| To fall forlorn. | |
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| "God! when they fight upright and at me | |
| I give them back | 10 |
| Even such blows as theirs that combat me; | |
| But now, alack! | |
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| "They fight with the wiles of fiends escaping | |
| And underhand. | |
| Six times, O God, and my wounds are gaping! | 15 |
| I—reel to stand. | |
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| "Six battles' span! By this gasping breath, | |
| No pantomime. | |
| 'Tis all that I can. I am sick unto death. | |
| And—a seventh time? | 20 |
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| "This is beyond all battles' soreness!" | |
| Then his wonder cried: | |
| For Laughter, with shield and steely harness, | |
| Stood up at his side! | |
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