| Louis Untermeyer, ed. (1885–1977). Modern American Poetry. 1919. |
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| Ezra Pound. 1884– |
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| 104. Ballad for Gloom |
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| FOR God, our God is a gallant foe | |
| That playeth behind the veil. | |
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| I have loved my God as a child at heart | |
| That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, | |
| I have loved my God as a maid to man— | 5 |
| But lo, this thing is best: | |
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| To love your God as a gallant foe that plays behind the veil; | |
| To meet your God as the night winds meet beyond Arcturus' pale. | |
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| I have played with God for a woman, | |
| I have staked with my God for truth, | 10 |
| I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed— | |
| His dice be not of ruth. | |
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| For I am made as a naked blade, | |
| But hear ye this thing in sooth: | |
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| Who loseth to God as man to man | 15 |
| Shall win at the turn of the game. | |
| I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet | |
| But the ending is the same: | |
| Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose | |
| Shall win at the end of the game. | 20 |
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| For God, our God is a gallant foe that playeth behind the veil. | |
| Whom God deigns not to overthrow hath need of triple mail. | |
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