Demos I

Edwin Arlington Robinson

All you that are enamored of my name
 And least intent on what most I require,
 Beware; for my design and your desire,
Deplorably, are not as yet the same.
Beware, I say, the failure and the shame
 Of losing that for which you now aspire
 So blindly, and of hazarding entire
The gift that I was bringing when I came.

Give as I will, I cannot give you sight
 Whereby to see that with you there are some
 To lead you, and be led.  But they are dumb
Before the wrangling and the shrill delight
 Of your deliverance that has not come,
And shall not, if I fail you—as I might.

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