"How may the passing Now contain
the standing Now--Eternity?--
"An endless _is_ without a _was_,
the _be_ and never the _to-be?_

"Who made your Maker? If Self-made,
why fare so far to fare the worse
"Sufficeth not a world of worlds,
a self-made chain of universe?

"Grant an Idea, Primal Cause,
the Causing Cause, why crave for more?
"Why strive its depth and breadth to mete,
to trace its work, its aid to 'implore?

"Unknown, Incomprehensible,
whate'er you choose to call it, call;
"But leave it vague as airy space,
dark in its darkness mystical.

"Your childish fears would seek a Sire,
by the non-human God defin'd,
"What your five wits may wot ye weet;
what _is_ you please to dub 'design'd;'

"You bring down Heav'en to vulgar Earth;
your maker like yourselves you make,
"You quake to own a reign of Law,
you pray the Law its laws to break;