Tut! Moody, do not try to show
    To gentlemen and ladies
  That if they have not "Faith," they'll go
      Headlong to Hades.

  Faith is belief; and how can I
    Have that by being willing?
  This dime I cannot, though I try,
      Believe a shilling.

  Perhaps you can. If so, pray do—
    Believe you own it, also.
  But what seems evidence to you
      I may not call so.

  Heaven knows I'd like the Faith to think
    This little vessel's contents
  Are liquid gold. I see 'tis ink
      For writing nonsense.

  Minds prone to Faith, however, may
    Come now and then to sorrow:
  They put their trust in truth to-day,
      In lies to-morrow.

  No doubt the happiness is great
    To think as one would wish to;
  But not to swallow every bait,
      As certain fish do.

  To think a snake a cord, I hope,
    Would bolden and delight me;
  But some day I might think a rope
      Would chase and bite me.

  "Curst Reason! Faith forever blest!"
    You're crying all the season.
  Well, who decides that Faith is best?
      Why, Mr. Reason.

  He's right or wrong; he answers you
    According to your folly,
  And says what you have taught him to,
      Like any polly.