Classic Poem

Old friend, I greet you! you are still the same:
You poisoned Socrates, you crucified
Christ, you have persecuted, mocked, denied,
Rejected God and cursed Him — in God's name.
You gave monotonously to the flame
All those (whom now you honor) when the new
Truth stung their lips — for fear it might be true;
Then reaped where they had sown and felt no shame.
Familiar voice, old adversary — hail!
Yesterday's fools are now your gods. Behold!
The generations pass and we can wait.
You slandered Shelley, Florence Nightingale;
Now a new splendor quivers in the cold
Gray shadows overhead; still you are late.