"That moment first, In its true hideous native aspect shown, Sin was revealed to me. I saw it wear A face of horrible malignity Gnashing its teeth on Jesus, the One Man Who sinned not ever and yet died for sin, Died for the sin that slew Him, for my sin That slew Him on the bitter cross, that still Was slaying Him afresh--who died for _me_. I found the truth and meaning of those words By Jesus from the imminent verge of death Spoken, that not believing upon Him Was the one sin. When the ideal man Is shown us, then to know Him not for such Betokens us how besotted!--beyond hope; But if the ideal man be Son of God And bring us out of heaven a word from Him, Not to receive the message, nay, to flout The messenger himself as I had done, Yea, was that moment doing when the light I spoke of fell on me--what height, what depth Of sin! O, sin's exceeding sinfulness! And yet, not so even is the measure full. For God in testimony of His Son Put forth the working of His mighty power And raised Him from the dead, exalting Him To the right hand of glory with Himself. Christ then, there sitting by His Father's side And with Him reigning, victor over death And over him that had the power of death, The devil, sent thence the Holy Spirit down Hither to us to lead us into truth. The Holy Spirit in thy heart, O Krishna, Grieve Him not, send Him not away from thee! It was His secret prompting made thee take That spring toward God at mention of His name. Yield to Him, He desires thy good, consent To be convinced of sin--sin still committed Till thou believe on Jesus Christ as Lord; And now a sin against the Holy Ghost!" Solemn the words, spoken solemnly by Paul; They wrought an awe in Krishna hearing them. The sense indeed was half not understood; Yet not the less, almost it seemed the more, They touched him to the quickest in his soul. Paul too was awed and did not further speak, Thinking, 'Let me beware not to obtrude Myself untimely between God and man!' Nay, even he would that Krishna were alone, To wrestle in that solemn solitude Wherein needs must at last the human spirit Ever transact the awful mystery Of its own reconcilement with its God. Yet Paul so wishing still would not withdraw, He might inhospitable seem or seem Too conscious of his fellow's inward strife; He prayed in silence with unutterable Strong yearning of desire quickened with hope: 'Let Krishna win the victory of defeat!' The Indian soon with gesture of farewell Unspoken, which meant thanks and courtesy Habitual, but meant also not habitual Appeal for sympathy in felt helplessness, As who should say, 'Pray, pray for me,' retired.