1 When you had played with life a space br 2 And made it drink and lust and sing, br 3 You flung it back into God's face br 4 And thought you did a noble thing. br 5 "Lo, I have lived and loved," you said, br 6 "And sung to fools too dull to hear me. br 7 Now for a cool and grassy bed br 8 With violets in blossom near me." br br 9 Well, rest is good for weary feet, br 10 Although they ran for no great prize; br 11 And violets are very sweet, br 12 Although their roots are in your eyes. br 13 But hark to what the earthworms say br 14 Who share with you your muddy haven: br 15 "The fight was on -- you ran away. br 16 You are a coward and a craven." br br 17 "The rug is ruined where you bled; br 18 It was a dirty way to die! br 19 To put a bullet through your head br 20 And make a silly woman cry! br 21 You could not vex the merry stars br 22 Nor make them heed you, dead or living. br 23 Not all your puny anger mars br 24 God's irresistible forgiving. br br 25 "Yes, God forgives and men forget, br 26 And you're forgiven and forgotten. br 27 You may be gaily sinning yet br 28 And quick and fresh instead of rotten.