emptation called—she called my name;
’Twas nothing new, but just the same
Enticing call with promise sweet,
“Come taste my wine,” she did entreat.

I sought the source of that sweet voice—
It seemed as though I had no choice.
Although I searched, I found her not,
But found the pleasure she had brought.

I smelled the scent of her perfume
That lingered there inside my room.
I drank the wine that she had mixed,
Though it was sweet, I was perplexed.

I sought companionship to share
Forbidden pleasure, fine and fair,
But promised company had flown
And left me guilty, and alone.

The wine that I had drunk in haste
Soon left a bitter aftertaste;
Perfume so sweet, the scent of rose,
Began a-burning in my nose.

Who was this temptress who beguiled,
Who my conscience had defiled?
Who had done this thing to me?
I would search, and find, and see!

I looked around out in the dark—
Perhaps a devil there did lurk!
I searched the streets all through the town;
My nemesis could not be found.

And then I heard her voice again:
“Come home, come home, you’ll find me then.
I’ve been here waiting. Don’t delay!
Come to my side, and with me stay.”

I came back home, there to seek
The evil one who made me weak.
There! ’twas the voice! It seemed to call
Out from the glass upon the wall.

How can this be? I thought with fear,
Who can it be? There’s no one here!
I stilled my heart, prepared to see,
Looked in the glass—saw only me.

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. —James 1:14