And other things have reached my ear;
The Judgment Day has come, I fear!"
His neighbour answers: "Friend, you're right!
Matters look very bad to-night.
Let's go a street or two, though, hence,
And gaze upon the stars from thence."—
No change appears in either case.
Let each remain then in his place,
And wisely do the best he can,
Patient as any other man.
THE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE.
"The mountain village was destroyed;
But see how soon is filled the void!
Shingles and boards, as by magic arise,
The babe in his cradle and swaddling-clothes lies;
How blest to trust to God's protection!"
Behold a wooden new erection,
So that, if sparks and wind but choose,
God's self at such a game must lose!
In the world do things go with you ill,
You can't do right, do what you will.
THREE PALINODIAS.
I.
"Incense is but a tribute for the gods,—
To mortals 'tis but poison."
The smoke that from thine altar blows,
Can it the gods offend?
For I observe thou hold'st thy nose—
Pray what does this portend?
