I see a Spirit by thy side,Purple-winged and eagle-eyed,Looking like a Heavenly guide.
Though he seem so bright and fair,Ere thou trust his proffered care,Pause a little,and beware!
If he bid thee dwell apart,Tending some ideal smart In a sick and coward heart;
In self-worship wrapped alone,Dreaming thy poor griefs are grown More than other men have known;
Dwelling in some cloudy sphere,Though God's work is waiting here,And God deigneth to be near;
If his torch's crimson glare Show thee evil everywhere,Tainting all the wholesome air;
While with strange distorted choice,Still disdaining to rejoice,Thou WILT hear a wailing voice;
If a simple,humble heart,Seem to thee a meaner part,Than thy noblest aim and art;
If he bid thee bow before Crowned Mind and nothing more,The great idol men adore;
And with starry veil enfold Sin,the trailing serpent old,Till his scales shine out like gold;
Though his words seem true and wise,Soul,I say to thee--Arise.He is a Demon in disguise!
