The Human Abstract

Pity would be no more 
If we did not make somebody poor, 
And Mercy no more could be 
If all were as happy as we. 

And mutual fear brings Peace, 
Till the selfish loves increase; 
Then Cruelty knits a snare, 
And spreads his baits with care. 

He sits down with holy fears, 
And waters the ground with tears; 
Then Humility takes its root 
Underneath his foot. 

Soon spreads the dismal shade 
Of Mystery over his head, 
And the caterpillar and fly 
Feed on the Mystery. 

And it bears the fruit of Deceit, 
Ruddy and sweet to eat, 
And the raven his nest has made 
In its thickest shade. 

The gods of the earth and sea 
Sought through nature to find this tree, 
But their search was all in vain: 
There grows one in the human Brain.