Let nothing here be defended
that has not at the last repented
that final crime, mortality,
the final sin reality.
And
Let me never seek to hold
that any tongue shall speak as bold
as that which both commits and praises
and with nothing to lose,
in the last outrages.
And
Let never fire dare to touch,
let never water mar so much
let never wind as captive take
or lightning the bright lifeline break.
And
Let God witness every word
as offering to the call I've heard,
That someday I may take a stand
before Almighty God and fragile man,
and say that these make clear my worth,
the dreams to which I've given birth.