The creeds of all men she takes leave to sift,
And, quite impartial, turns her own adrift.
Her noble mind, with independent force,
Her Rector questions on his late discourse;
Perplex’d and pain’d, he wishes to retire
From one whom critics, nay, whom crowds, admire—
From her whose faith on no man’s dictate leans;
Who her large creed from many a teacher gleans;
Who for herself will judge, debate, decide, 40
And be her own “philosopher and guide.”