Classic Poem

Revenge is a naked sword —
It has neither hilt nor guard,
Wouldst thou wield this brand of the Lord? —
Is thy grasp then firm and hard?

But the closer thy clutch of the blade
The deadlier blow thou wouldst deal,
Deeper wound in thy hand is made —
It is thy blood reddens the steel.

And when thou hast dealt the blow, —
When the blade from thy hand has flown, —
Instead of the heart of the foe
Thou mayst find it sheathed in thine own!