His Ally

He fought for his soul, and the stubborn fighting  
 Tried hard his strength.  
"One needs seven souls for thin long requiting,"  
 He said at length.  
 
"Six times have I come where my first hope jeered me  
 And laughed me to scorn;  
But now I fear as I never feared me  
 To fall forlorn.  
 
"God! when they fight upright and at me  
 I give them back  
Even such blows as theirs that combat me;  
 But now, alack!  
 
"They fight with the wiles of fiends escaping  
 And underhand.  
Six times, O God, and my wounds are gaping!  
 I—reel to stand.  
 
"Six battles' span! By this gasping breath,  
 No pantomime.  
'Tis all that I can. I am sick unto death.  
 And—a seventh time?  
 
"This is beyond all battles' soreness!"  
 Then his wonder cried:  
For Laughter, with shield and steely harness,  
 Stood up at his side!