The Gods

Last night, as one who hears a tragic jest, I woke from dreams, half-laughing, half in tears; Methought that I had journeyed in the spheres And stood upon the Planet of the Blest And found thereon a folk who prayed with zest Exceeding, and through all their painful years Like strong souls struggled on 'mid hopes and fears; "Where dwell the gods," they said, "we shall find rest." The gods? What gods, I thought, are those who so Inspire their worshippers with faith that flowers Immortal? and who make them keep aglow The flames forever on their altar-towers? "Where dwell these gods of yours?" I asked--and lo! They pointed upwards to this earth of ours!