| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 1653. Judgment |
| | | By Grace Ellery Channing-Stetson |
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| A DEAD soul lay in the light of day, | |
| Desperate, wan, it had passed; | |
| Oft foiled, it had toiled on its upward way, | |
| Till it perished, spent, aghast, | |
| After a thousand defeats the prey | 5 |
| Of its conquering sin at last. | |
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| Said a stranger:—“Lo, how in shame and woe | |
| Is Satan’s seal ever set!” | |
| Laughed a foe:—“Doth the carrion lie so low? | |
| Death and a coward well met.” | 10 |
| Said a friend:—“His strength was great, I know, | |
| But his weakness was stronger yet.” | |
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| Moaned his love unwed:—“Peace to the dead; | |
| And as God shall forgive—let be!” | |
| But an angel spread o’er the prostrate head | 15 |
| His wings in humility; | |
| As he gazed:—“Be praised, great God,” he said, | |
| “For a glorious victory!” | |
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