And weened the end of that dire pest,

From heaven’s high-counselled lord to wrest.

Now their applause with mockery flouts mine ear.

O could’st thou ope my heart and read it here,

How little sire and son

For such huge meed of thanks have done!

My father was a grave old gentleman,

Who o’er the holy secrets of creation,

Sincere, but after his peculiar plan,

Brooded, with whimsied speculation.