The aims of life, life's triumph or defeat,

How to feel, how to scheme, and how to do

Or else leave undone? You preached long and loud

On high-days, "Take our doctrine upon trust!

Into the mill-house with you! Grind our corn,

Relish our chaff, and let the green grass grow!"

I tried chaff, found I famished on such fare,

So made this mad rush at the mill-house-door,

Buried my head up to the ears in dew,

Browsed on the best: for which you brain me, Sirs!