This is a poem that opens with a problem to solve, a decision to make. It is a gamble. The gamble could be a decision between good and bad. Or perhaps, even beyond that. But is it worth the risk? Less likely. The chance for a win is quite narrow.
The angels are breathless in passive silence, for the soul to do the right thing while the demons are actively raffling for the soul. This is the politics of temptations. We’ve all been there and most of us might have stories of countless failures in that department.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 1.12
The hope in this poem seems to be in the voice of the poet, who chose to stand outside this political game, this infinite war between good and evil. The poet in holding a detached position might be suggesting that to do nothing is the best antidote for temptations.
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