While Reason sternly bids us die, Love longs for life beyond the grave: Our hearts, affections, hopes and fears for Life-to-be shall ever crave.

Hence came the despot’s darling dream, a Church to rule and sway the State; Hence sprang the train of countless griefs in priestly sway and rule innate.

For future Life who dares reply? No witness at the bar have we; Save what the brother Potsherd tells,—old tales and novel jugglery.

Who e’er return’d to teach the Truth, the things of Heaven and Hell to limn? And all we hear is only fit for grandam-talk and nursery-hymn.

“Have mercy, man!” the Zâhid cries, “of our best visions rob us not! “Mankind a future life must have to balance life’s unequal lot.”