His Ally

He fought for his soul, and the stubborn fighting Tried hard his strength. "One needs seven souls for thin long requiting," He said at length. "Six times have I come where my first hope jeered me And laughed me to scorn; But now I fear as I never feared me To fall forlorn. "God! when they fight upright and at me I give them back Even such blows as theirs that combat me; But now, alack! "They fight with the wiles of fiends escaping And underhand. Six times, O God, and my wounds are gaping! I—reel to stand. "Six battles' span! By this gasping breath, No pantomime. 'Tis all that I can. I am sick unto death. And—a seventh time? "This is beyond all battles' soreness!" Then his wonder cried: For Laughter, with shield and steely harness, Stood up at his side!