Explore "My Friend" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
When first I looked upon the face of Pain / I shrank repelled, as one shrinks from a foe / Who stands with dagger poised, as for a blow. / I was in search of Pleasure and of Gain; / I turned aside to let him pass: in vain; / He looked straight in my eyes and would not go. / "Shake hands," he said; "our paths are one, and so / We must be comrades on the way, 'tis plain."
I felt the firm clasp of his hand on mine; / Through all my veins it sent a strengthening glow. / I straightway linked my arm in his, and lo! / He led me forth to joys almost divine; / With God's great truths enriched me in the end: / And now I hold him as my dearest friend.