One born with healthy frame - but not of will That can resist emotions deep and strong, Nor impulse throw, surcharged with potent strength - And just the sort that pass as good and kind, Beheld that he was safe, whilst others long And vain did struggle 'gainst the surging waves. Till, morbid grown, his mind could see, like flies That seek the putrid part, but what was bad. Then Fortune smiled on him, and his foot slipped. That ope'd his eyes for e'er, and made him find That stones and trees ne'er break the law, But stones and trees remain; that man alone Is blest with power to fight and conquer Fate, Transcending bounds and laws. From him his passive nature fell, and life appeared As broad and new, and broader, newer grew, Till light ahead began to break, and glimpse of That Where Peace Eternal dwells - yet one can only reach By wading through the sea of struggles - courage-giving, came. Then looking back on all that made him kin To stocks and stones, and on to what the world Had shunned him for, his fall, he blessed the fall, And with a joyful heart, declared it - 'Blessed Sin! '
