But it was much in Shimei that thenceforth He never was bitter again with cynicism; The fountains of his evil humor were dry; He never vented blast of unbelief To blight the region round him with black death To every springing plant and opening flower Of cheerful faith in human nobleness; That mordant tongue refrained itself from sneer. Yea--this with travail of will through enforced lips-- Shimei, in frugal phrase, but phrase sincere, Gave, of his conscience, rather than his heart, Thanks to them all that ministered to him. More: after days of silence, passed in muse And struggle in secret with himself, and prayer, Once, having asked to speak with Paul apart And easily won what he desired, he said: "Behold, O Saul, I think that I have erred, Mistaking thee, perhaps myself mistaking-- Yea, but I know that I mistook myself, And mistook God, both what He was and wished; Most wickedly mistook Him, honestly-- Honestly deeming Him other than He was, Imputing honestly what was not His will-- Mistaking, with no heed not to mistake! This was my wickedness, that lightly I Misdeemed Him such an one as I myself. And thee I wronged comparing thee with myself, And hated thee for what, I now am sure, Thou wast not. Saul, I need to be forgiven!"-- Wherewith his heavy head the old man bent low, With his uplifted hands in manacles Seeking to hide his face as if in shame; Not shame that he had sinned, but that he now Had spoken thus. Yet did that gesture naught Diminish from his words, but only show At cost how great he had wrung them from himself. Paul understood the anguish of his mind, And said to Shimei: "Nay, my brother, nay, Forgiven thou art, nor needst to be forgiven, Or at least I have nothing to forgive thee; I long ago forgave thee all in all. But I myself would be of thee forgiven! I vexed thee once with high words spoken in pride; I never have forgiven myself that pride. Forgive me thou it, thou, that hadst thy hate Needlessly blown to hotter flame thereby. Let us forgive each other and love henceforth, As God, for Christ's sake, will us both forgive!" As Paul these last words spoke, he strongly yearned, Even for Christ's sake, to throw himself in tears On Shimei's neck and there weep out his love. But he, for Shimei's sake, forbore; he saw That Shimei, softened as he was, and changed, Was not ripe for forgiveness so complete. So Paul forbore, rejoiced that Shimei spoke No word, and signified with silence naught, In blasphemy of the Belovéd Name; Name by himself in hope, not without fear, Pronounced--like costliest pearl at venture flung Before what under foot might trample it And round to rend the largess-giver turn.