Classic Poem

Once, when with fever of unrest I slumbered,
Wearied by shadowy fancies without aim,
Uncertain dreams and vague alarms unnumbered,
Before mine eyes there came.

The semblance of a spirit most mysterious,
A presence whose approaching breath was warm,
A shape that stood before me, stern and serious,
Taking a human form.

Its lofty brow seemed seared by sin's excesses;
A deathly pallor blanched a haggard face,
While supplicating eyes beneath long tresses
Lighted the brow's disgrace.

Yet in its troubled gaze was purely shining
A consciousness of undisputed right,
Suffering perchance beyond all earth's divining,
But fearless of the light.

The misty shadow silently drew near me,
And, while in fear tumultuous I stirred,
It whispered gently: " Nay, do thou not fear me,
But hearken to my word.

" I, a despised and deeply injured spirit,
Who ne'er of justice have beheld the ruth,
Who upon earth man's deathless hate inherit,
Come to reveal the truth .

" Races and worlds by death are urned and embered,
Since, living, Judah has shuddered at my name,
And it, alas! is even to-day remembered
With loathing and with shame!

" I have been wronged with perfidy infernal,
And none have dared my memory to defend,
And, through dead centuries that seemed eternal,
On earth I found no friend.

" For I am Judas , the presumptive traitor!
But shrink not for thy virtues so unpriced;
I come as humble supplicant, not as hater,
I, who sold Jesus Christ!

" I come to thee, not as I am in spirit,
But with the odious form on earth once mine,
Not as the clod who can all feuds inherit,
But Judas the Divine!