Learn from the mighty Spi'rits of old
to set thy foot on Heav'en and Hell;
In Life to find thy hell and heav'en
as thou abuse or use it well.

So deemed the doughty Jew who dared
by studied silence low to lay
Orcus and Hades, lands of shades,
the gloomy night of human day.

Hard to the heart is final death:
fain would an Ens not end in Nil;
Love made the senti'ment kindly good:
the Priest perverted all to ill.

While Reason sternly bids us die,
Love longs for life beyond the grave:
Our hearts, affections, hopes and fears
for Life-to-be shall ever crave.

Hence came the despot's darling dream,
a Church to rule and sway the State;
Hence sprang the train of countless griefs
in priestly sway and rule innate.

For future Life who dares reply?
No witness at the bar have we;
Save what the brother Potsherd tells,--
old tales and novel jugglery.