The Pride That Comes After

It knows it all, it knows it all, The world of groans and laughter, It sneers of pride before a fall, But the bitter pride comes after: So leave me and I’ll seek you not, So seek me and you’ll find me— But till I know your hand-grip’s true I’ll stand with hands behind me. It knows it all, it knows it all, The world of lies and sorrow— It prates of pride before a fall, And of the humble morrow; But shame and blame are but a name, Oh, heart that’s hurt past curing! We’ll drink to-night the sinner’s pride, The pride that’s most enduring. They know it all, they know it all, The curs that pass the sentence. They preach of pride before a fall And bitter black repentance: So leave me when my star is set, I’ll glory that you leave me, While one has pride to love me yet There’s nought on earth shall grieve me.