Produce the Christian act so possible
When in the way stood Nero's cross and stake—
So hard now when the world smiles "Right and wise!
Faith points the politic, the thrifty way.
Will make who plods it in the end returns
Beyond mere fool's-sport and improvidence.
We fools dance through the cornfield of this life,
Pluck ears to left and right and swallow raw,
—Nay, tread, at pleasure, a sheaf underfoot,
To get the better at some poppy-flower,—