Black Beetles in Amber

Tut! Moody, do not try to show

To gentlemen and ladies

That if they have not "Faith," they'll go

Headlong to Hades.

Faith is belief; and how can I

Have that by being willing?

This dime I cannot, though I try,

Believe a shilling.

Perhaps you can. If so, pray do—

Believe you own it, also.

But what seems evidence to you

I may not call so.

Heaven knows I'd like the Faith to think

This little vessel's contents

Are liquid gold. I see 'tis ink

For writing nonsense.

Minds prone to Faith, however, may

Come now and then to sorrow:

They put their trust in truth to-day,

In lies to-morrow.

No doubt the happiness is great

To think as one would wish to;

But not to swallow every bait,

As certain fish do.

To think a snake a cord, I hope,

Would bolden and delight me;

But some day I might think a rope

Would chase and bite me.

"Curst Reason! Faith forever blest!"

You're crying all the season.

Well, who decides that Faith is best?

Why, Mr. Reason.

He's right or wrong; he answers you

According to your folly,

And says what you have taught him to,

Like any polly.