MEN, who have ceased to reverence, soon defy, Their forefathers; lo! sects are formed, and split With morbid restlessness; -- the ecstatic fit Spreads wide; though special mysteries multiply, 'The Saints must govern', is their common cry; And so they labour, deeming Holy Writ Disgraced by aught that seems content to sit Beneath the roof of settled Modesty. The Romanist exults; fresh hope he draws From the confusion, craftily incites The overweening, personates the mad -- To heap disgust upon the worthier Cause: Totters the Throne; the new-born Church is sad, For every wave against her peace unites. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ADOLF EICHMANN by HAYDEN CARRUTH TO A FRIEND IN THE MAKING by MARIANNE MOORE KUBLA KHAN by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE LAST SUPPER by RAINER MARIA RILKE FOR MY CHILD by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS ODE 13. ON THE CHARMS OF PEACE by BACCHYLIDES THE WANDERER: 2. IN FRANCE: TERRA INCOGNITA by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON |