Elinor Wylie

The Lion and the Lamb

I saw a Tiger’s golden flank, 
I saw what food he ate, 
By a desert spring he drank; 
The Tiger’s name was Hate.

Then I saw a placid Lamb 
Lying fast asleep; 
Like a river from its dam 
Flashed the Tiger’s leap.

I saw a lion tawny-red, 
Terrible and brave; 
The Tiger’s leap overhead 
Broke like a wave.

In sand below or sun above 
He faded like a flame. 
The Lamb said, ”I am Love; 
Lion, tell your name.”

The Lion’s voice thundering 
Shook his vaulted breast, 
”I am Love. By this spring, 
Brother, let us rest.”