"Medicine from the plants we borrow,
Salves from many a leaf;
May they not kill hunger's sorrow,
Give with food relief?"

Suddenly a spirit shining
From the sky came down,
Green his mantle, floating, twining,
Gold his feather crown.

"I have heard thy thought unspoken;
Famous thou shall be;
Though no scalp shall be the token,
Men shall speak of thee.

"Bravely borne, men's heaviest burden
Ever lighter lies;
Wrestling with me, win the guerdon;
Gain thy wish, arise!"

Now he rises, and, prevailing,
Hears the angel say:
"Strong in weakness, never failing,
Strive yet one more day.

"Now again I come, and find thee
Yet with courage high,
So that, though my arms can bind thee,
Victor thou, not I.