And many nights, and night-like days, he dwelt in outer darkness.
But, within a while, his variable mind caught a new impression,
A new impression of the good old stamp, that sealed him when a child:
He was softened, and abjured his infidelity; he was wiser, and despised his credulity;
And turned again to simple faith more simply than before.
Experience had declared too well his mind was built of water,
And so, renouncing strength in self, he fixed his faith in God.
It is not for me to stipulate for creeds; Bible, Church, and Reason,
These three shall lead the mind, if any can, to truth.
But I must stipulate for faith: both God and man demand it: