Explore "The Broken Sword" by Henry van Dyke on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Mine enemies have prevailed against me, O God: / Thou hast led me deep into their ambush.
They surround me with a hedge of spears: / And the sword in my hand is broken.
My friends also have forsaken my side: / From a safe place they look upon me with pity.
My heart is like water poured upon the ground: / I have come alone to the place of surrender.
To thee, to thee only will I give up my sword: / The sword which was broken in thy service.
Thou hast required me to suffer for thy cause: / By my defeat thy will is victorious.
O my King show me thy face shining in the dark: / While I drink the loving-cup of death to thy glory.