The pagan saw Jove's vengeful jav'lin thrown,
To check man's pride, and cast presumption down,
And vindicate the god as strong and wise.
But now, since Franklin drew a spark from cloud,
And prov'd it merely electricity,—
Though, God! thou speak in thunders e'er so loud,
Our empty science makes us deaf to Thee;
And though thy lightnings glare, yet we are proud,
And blind to Thy most glorious majesty!