Even as he cried the words, “O Absolom,
O Absolom!” he understood
How the cost forgiveness took
So much for so much hurt.

O injury! That thou had never
Come upon in these hours!
My heart is pained and I learn
The steps that break a heart
With love. For such a blow,
Struck by cruel force, forces
The unremitting moment to its crisis.
Thus to my knees I am reduced, and cry,
My Absolom, why did you? Why?
I loved you and in my breast you found
Comfort, rest, but no solace for the wounds
Which I too have borne, o son, and yet!
You roused your armies to attack me;
your words to dethrone me. It is now,
when all is lost, that I can admit,
despite all I gave, you failed me.

So I forgive you, my son, you see?
I forgive you, sweet Absolom,
For not killing me.