Text from Emily's Poems

"Part One: Life

SUCCESS is counted sweetest

By those who ne’er succeed.

To comprehend a nectar

Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple host       

Who took the flag to-day

Can tell the definition,

So clear, of victory,

As he, defeated, dying,

On whose forbidden ear       

The distant strains of triumph

Break, agonized and clear."

"Part One: Life

III

SOUL, wilt thou toss again?

By just such a hazard

Hundreds have lost, indeed,

But tens have won an all.

Angels’ breathless ballot       

Lingers to record thee;

Imps in eager caucus

Raffle for my soul."