God knows I strive against low lust and vice, Wound in the net of their voluptuous hair; God knows that all their kisses are as ice To me who do not care. God knows, against the front of Fate I set Eyes still and stern, and lips as bitter prest; Raised clenched and ineffectual palms to let Her rock-like pressing breast! God knows what motive such large zeal inspires, God knows the star for which I climb and crave, God knows, and only God, the eating fires That in my bosom rave. I will not fall! I will not; thou dost lie! Deep Hell! that seethest in thy simmering pit; Thy thousand throned horrors shall not vie, Or ever compa** it! But as thou sinkest from my soul away, So shall I rise, rolled in the morning's rose, Beyond this world, this life, this little day— God knows! God knows! God knows!