The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | ||
AD MOODIUM
Tut! Moody, do not try to show
To gentlemen and ladies
That if they have not “Faith,” they'll go
Headlong to Hades.
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.
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.
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.
This little vessel's contents
Are liquid gold. I see 'tis ink
For writing nonsense.
282
Minds prone to Faith, however, may
Come now and then to sorrow:
They put their trust in truth to-day,
In lies to-morrow.
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 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.
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.
But who decides that Faith is best?
Why, Mr. Reason.
You're crying all the season.
But 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.
According to your folly,
And says what you have taught him to,
Like any polly.
The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | ||