The Harbinger

 
He is the crier from the outer dark,
As set forth in the ancient text.
Despair not of his message but
The storm, which follows next.
He hath hurled down solemn strictures
And dread powers are sorely vexed.

He maketh signs and prophecies
As was, long ago, predicted!
Turn away your gaze from his
Or be, likewise, afflicted.
He speaketh vile blasphemies—
Standing, by his tongue, convicted.

“You require of me love, which must
Through violence be enforced!
You offer me dark doctrines that
Give death if not endorsed!
My soul, you claim, is yours, and must
From reason be divorced!”

Curse all conciliation!
The dog hath made his choice.
He defies our just proscriptions,
And holds forth with Belial’s voice.
Thus dawns the age of fire and blood,
In which we, the wise, rejoice!