Cxii

Alack, Philosophy! Despite the chop and change, diminished or increased, Patched-up and plastered-o'er, Religion stands at least I' the temple-type. But thou? Here gape I, all agog These thirty years, to learn how tadpole turns to frog; And thrice at least have gazed with mild astonishment, As, skyward up and up, some fire-new fabric sent Its challenge to mankind, that, clustered underneath To hear the word, they straight believe, ay, in the teeth O' the Past, clap hands, and hail triumphant Truth's outbreak-- Tadpole-frog-theory propounded past mistake! In vain! A something ails the edifice, it bends, It bows, it buries ... Haste! cry "Heads below" to friends-- But have no fear they find, when smother shall subside, Some substitution perk with unabated pride I' the predecessor's place!