| Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922. |
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| The Breaking |
| | | Margaret Steele Anderson |
| | | | | (The Lord God speaks to a youth) |
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| BEND now thy body to the common weight! | |
| (But oh, that vine-clad head, those limbs of morn! | |
| Those proud young shoulders I myself made straight! | |
| How shall ye wear the yoke that must be worn?) | |
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| Look thou, my son, what wisdom comes to thee! | 5 |
| (But oh, that singing mouth, those radiant eyes! | |
| Those dancing feet—that I myself made free! | |
| How shall I sadden them to make them wise?) | |
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| Nay then, thou shalt! Resist not, have a care! | |
| (Yea, I must work my plans who sovereign sit! | 10 |
| Yet do not tremble so! I cannot bear— | |
| Though I am God—to see thee so submit!) | |
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