I.
Holy parables discarding,
And each guess, however pious,
To these awful questions plainly
Seek with answers to supply us:—
Wherefore bends the Just One, bleeding
’Neath the cross’s weight laborious,
While upon his steed the Wicked
Rides all-proudly and victorious?
Wherein lies the fault? It is not
That our God is not almighty?
Or hath he himself offended?—
Such a thought seems wild and flighty.
Thus are we for ever asking,
Till at length our mouths securely
With a clod of earth are fasten’d,—
That is not an answer, surely?