When first I saw thee, knew thee not,
Save as relentless foe,
Believing thou could'st only plot
Unfathomable woe,
I from thee turned with bitter moan,
And bore thee lasting hate;
But now thy deeper purpose known
Seems all compassionate.
When senseless pain impedes the breath
Life's fevered fires expand,
Quick-coming, cool, enfolding death,
I greet thee as a friend.
