The Human Abstract

    If we did not make somebody poor；

    And Mercy no more could be

    If all were as happy as we.

    And mutual¹ fear brings peace，

    Till the selfish loves increase；

    Then Cruelty knits a snare²，

    And spreads his baits with care.

    He sits down with holy fears，

    And waters the ground with tears；

    Then Humility³ takes its root

    Underneath⁴ his foot.

    Soon spreads the dismal⁵ shade

    Of Mystery over his head；

    And the caterpillar⁶ and fly

    Feed on the Mystery.

    And it bears the fruit of Deceit，

    Ruddy and sweet to eat；

    And the raven⁷ his nest has made

    In its thickest shade.

    The Gods of the earth and sea

    Sought thro' Nature to find this tree；

    But their search was all in vain：

    There grows one in the Human brain.