Classic Poem

Beautiful scorn of God! as gently poured
Upon the sinner as a summer dew,
Yet having power to penetrate him through
With swift incision of a two-edged sword; —
Thou sweet and subtle terror of the Lord,
Having a woman's face, and just as tender
In the end to every soured and frail offender
As is a maiden in her mute award
Of final free forgiveness to her lover, —
As beautiful as are her tearful eyes
When lashes and the red lids gently rise
Peace and her vanished anger to discover, —
We dread thee not, for, storms and shadows over,
Comes summer, and the blue caress of skies.