Upon the rugged field the wrestlers fought
Till far into the night, and Jacob wrought
For mastery, till his foe for mercy sought.
And still they strove, and still with brave intent,
Though torn his thigh, the sinews reft and rent,
Our father bore his baneful chastisement.
But, while they fought,an angel came between,
And showed him who his fearsome foe had been—
His own dark self, untruthful and unclean.
