My God and I met at the ford —
Lightning of wrath was on His face,
And in His hand He held a sword!
He whom of old I had adored
Now challenged me! I paused a space —
My God and I met at the ford.
Dauntless I stood, and daring poured
Hot words of anger — stepped one pace;
And in my hand I held a sword.
Steel clashed on steel! Together warred
Comrades of old in that fell place!
My God and I met at the ford.
One moment's thrust and He had scored;
I of His mercy pleaded grace:
God smiled on me and dropped His sword!