Classic Poem

Implacable, unmerciful, fulfilled
To overflowing with the sap of life,
A male in ev'ry muscle, ev'ry vein:
Contemptuous of weakness, proud, self-willed,
And cruel in his ardour for the strife
That steels his heart to his and others' pain:

Impervious to sickly sentiment;
Clear-headed though hot-blooded; logical,
And fain to follow Reason to the end:
Careless of creeds and convenance, content
To trample under foot conventions all
So he can slay a foe or serve a friend:

Hard-hearted — yes! hard, but not heartless! Nay,
Afire with love, pure, passionate intense,
But love that knows no pity — fierce as hate!
He seems a child of that heroic day
Ere yet man bowed beneath Experience,
And followed fettered in the train of Fate!