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. 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.