And quietly demurred.

Religion rests on evidence, of course,

And on inquiry we must put no force.

Difficulties still, upon whatever ground,

Are likely, almost certain, to be found.

The Theist scheme, the Pantheist, one and all,

Must with, or e’en before, the Christian fall.

And till the thing were plainer to our eyes,

To disturb faith was surely most unwise.

As for the Shade, who trusted such narration?