COMBATANTS

My God and I met at the ford— Lightning of wrath was on His face, And in His hand He held a sword!

He whom of old I had adored Now challenged me! I paused a space— My God and I met at the ford—

Dauntless I stood, and daring poured Hot words of anger—stepped one pace; And in my hand I held a sword.

Steel clashed on steel! Together warred Comrades of old in that fell place! My God and I met at the ford—

One moment's thrust and He had scored; I of His mercy pleaded grace: God smiled on me and dropped His sword!